Taking care of your denture is almost the same as taking care of your natural teeth. If proper cleaning has not been done over the denture, bacteria, stains, and plaque can collect. This may cause bad breath and discomfort. And regular cleaning of dentures will also prolong their longevity and make them comfortable inside the mouth. However, it is all subject to knowing how to clean a denture properly.
The partial or full dentures that can be removed from the mouth must be kept clean by a proper cleaning routine. It helps retain freshness and prevents staining. Most people make a wrong move by using harsh products or skipping the most important steps of washing dentures. In
In this guide, you will learn the right way to clean and care for your dentures to keep them well-maintained.
Steps About How to Clean Your Dentures
Step 1: Rinse Dentures After Eating
Food particles will be trapped between your teeth and dentures after every meal, leading to plaque buildup and bad breath. The best way to prevent this is to rinse your dentures after every meal. All you need to do is take them out and hold them under running water to wash away loose food and debris. Regular cleaning denture routines like this help maintain freshness and prevent stains.
Place a towel on the sink before you rinse the dentures so if you slip them, they will not fall and break into pieces. Besides, even minute cracks can render them uncomfortable when in use since the fit between your gums and dentures should be snug without pressure. As part of general maintenance, put some use on denture cleaning tablets—the best product for keeping those dentures germ-free and spotless.
Step 2: Handle Your Dentures with Care
Compared to natural teeth, dentures are not very strong and, hence, need to be handled carefully. When cleaning dentures, always handle them with care in order not to bend the plastic or damage any clasps. If your dentures have parts made of metal, be very careful since the metal may weaken over time if mishandled.
Avoid using too much pressure while brushing or rinsing them. A lot of people make the error of scrubbing too hard to remove stains quicker, but in doing so, they create minute scratches where bacteria can thrive. The best method to keep your dentures healthy is to use a soft toothbrush for dentures with a gentle touch.
Step 3: Clean Your Mouth After Removing Dentures
As we know, taking care of the mouth is just as important as cleaning dentures. Always rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible after removing dentures to clean out any debris or plaque associated with food bits. If you have natural teeth, brush those with a soft-bristled toothbrush for dentures and fluoride toothpaste for dentures. You should clean the gums, tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush or gauze.
Denture adhesive should always be removed, as any leftovers on the gum can cause irritation or discomfort. Cleaning your mouth regularly will maintain healthy gums and prevent infections that may make you uncomfortable while wearing dentures.
Step 4: Brush Your Dentures at Least Once a Day
Just like natural teeth, dentures should be brushed daily to remove all the plaque, food particles, and stains. Still, ordinary toothpaste is too hard to use on dentures, as it can leave small scratches on the denture’s surface. Instead, a soft-bristled toothbrush for dentures and the best denture cleaner should be used. If that is not available, mild dish soap or hand soap will do.
Brushing your dentures should be done carefully. First, remove them and apply a small amount of cleanser. Brush every surface; if you have adhesive applied to these dentures, clean the grooves that fit against your gums. This removes extra adhesive and keeps the fit great. For a natural answer, you can even learn how to clean dentures with baking soda to get rid of stains.
Rinse dentures well after brushing to eliminate all cleanser residue. Never place the denture cleaners in the mouth because that product is meant for disposal by mouth, which could be lethal to your life.
Step 5: Soak Dentures Overnight
Dentures should remain moist to maintain their shape and comfort during use. They will become brittle if they dry up and fail to fit. It is best kept in a healthy condition by soaking it in water or by the use of denture cleaning tablets or a mild soaking solution overnight.
Before you choose a soaking solution, ask your dentist whether a particular one is safe for your type of dentures. Some particular soaking solutions can discolor or cause damage if used incorrectly. To know how to clean dentures naturally, soak them in water with vinegar. However, if your dentures contain metal parts, do not use chlorine-based solutions because they might rust or weaken the metal.
Always follow the instructions on the product label when soaking dentures. To sanitize dentures safely, thoroughly rinse them before placing them back in your mouth in the morning.
Step 6: Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even with proper teeth care, dentures will wear out over time, and they don’t fit the same as they did when first made. So, regular checkups are crucial. Your dentist will examine your dentures, clean them professionally, and look at your gums and mouth to see if everything is okay.
If your false teeth feel loose or uncomfortable, see your dentist as soon as possible. The main problems associated with loose dentures are sores, irritation, and even infections. Your dentist may need to adjust or revise them for a better fit. Sometimes, if dentures are too worn out, it is best to get a new set. Never try washing dentures or adjusting your dentures yourself. This will just make them fit worse and feel more uncomfortable.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Dentures
- Most people do not know they damage their dentures due to improper products or cleaning procedures. The most common mistake is using abrasive materials, such as stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers, or whitening toothpaste. And that can scratch the surface of the dentures, making them more prone to staining and collecting bacteria. Instead, one should use a toothbrush for dentures and gentle denture cleaning tablets. Many people use abrasive products
- Another error is using bleach-based products for cleaning dentures. Bleach can weaken the material and cause discoloration. Soaking dentures containing metal parts in chlorine-based solutions can cause tarnishing and corrosion. The best alternative is learning how to clean dentures with vinegar. Always check the label of any cleaning product before using it on your dentures.Avoid hot water and boiling your dentures since some believe this will kill the bacteria; however, this process warps their shape. Instead, learn how to sanitize dentures properly using lukewarm water. Further, prefer to consult with your trusted dentist, like North Lake Land Dentist, who will guide you through.
Conclusion
Proper care of your dentures will help keep them clean, comfortable, and in good condition for years. All this takes is to form a daily habit: rinsing after meals, washing dentures with a mild cleanser, and soaking overnight to avoid the dentures drying out. It’s also worth discovering how to naturally clean dentures with household items. Don’t forget to clean your mouth, too. Healthy gums are the key to being able to wear dentures comfortably.
Common errors include using abrasive products, skipping daily cleaning, and exposing dentures to hot water. Consider using denture cleaning tablets or learning how to sanitize dentures properly. The most important thing is scheduling regular visits with your dentist so that you have a comfortable, well-fitting denture and your mouth stays healthy. By following these simple steps, you will have fresh, stain-free, and comfortable dentures every day.