Tips for Cleaning Your Dentures
If you have already received dentures, by now you’ve probably noticed the advantages of having a full, strong bite: your speech, diet, appearance, confidence, and general dental health can all be permanently improved. To retain these benefits, it’s necessary to ensure that your dentures fit properly and are well taken care of. To this end, our Fort Worth practice offers the following tips on keeping your dentures clean.
How to Clean Your Dentures
Hygiene is important, no matter the condition of your teeth or restorations. Patients with dentures should be diligent in their brushing habits, just as they would be with natural teeth. Every day, be sure to follow these basic hygienic rules:
- Prevent accidental damage: Dentures are most easily broken when taken out for hygiene or temporarily set aside. Before brushing, fill the sink with water. This will prevent damage to your dentures if you accidentally drop them or knock them into the sink.
- Brush daily: Brush your dentures to remove food particles, bacterial build-up, and stains. A soft bristled brush that is specifically designed for dentures is optimal. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, do not use toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive on denture material.
- Rinse with water: Rinse dentures with water after brushing to wash away residual particles. Also remember to rinse after each meal.
Even with full dentures, it’s still important to brush your mouth as well. Use a toothbrush to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth whenever you clean your dentures. This will prevent formation of fungus, bad breath, and similar effects from plaque.
Enhanced Cleaning
Household cleaning products such as bleach are discouraged as they may alter the color or erode the surface of dentures. Instead, use hand soap with warm water and a good scrubbing with your tooth brush.
Ultrasonic cleaners are another good way to supplement hygiene. By placing dentures in a small container or tray, ultrasonic waves are emitted to break up and disperse unwanted deposits. Any products approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) are more likely to be safe and effective. This is how we clean dentures professionally in our office.
Use a Cleansing Solution at Night
If dentures are not kept moist, the acrylic can become brittle, and the dentures can shrink!. When not being actively worn, dentures should be placed in a cleansing solution or least in water. Depending on the type of dentures you wear, a different solution may be optimal, especially if it has exposed metal attachments. Consult your dentist on the right way to care for your dentures at night.
Additional Cleaning Tips
In addition to basic hygiene and care, consider the following precautions for your dentures:
- Be thorough when cleaning: Be sure to clean the small nooks and crevices of dentures, as food and bacteria may be easily missed there. If your dentures attach to natural teeth, clean those areas on both the dentures and teeth diligently; this is where tooth decay is most likely to form.
- Don’t adjust your dentures: For a variety of reasons, dentures may not fit as well as they once did. If you notice irritation or a poor fit, do not attempt to make adjustments on your own, as this may cause further damage. See your Dentist first!
- Schedule regular visits with your dentist: See your dentist with some regularity in order to ensure your dentures fit properly. This is also a good way to undergo regular preventative care of gum disease, oral cancer, and similar health risks.
Come In for an Appointment
Whether you are in need of dentures or a simple check-up, we are happy to help you take care of your smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to inquire further about our restorative dentistry options.
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