How to Clean and Maintain Your Dentures for Optimal Oral Health

Dentures are the way to go if you are looking for an affordable way to replace missing teeth. They typically fall under one of two categories: partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are recommended when a person has lost only some of the teeth in a dental arch. Full dentures are typically recommended for those who have lost most of the teeth on one arch.

Dentures replace the appearance and function of missing teeth. The process of fitting patients for dentures typically takes about two weeks. It is a non-invasive process that does not require any surgery.

Getting the most out of your dentures with proper cleaning and maintenance

Dentures consist of two main parts: a pink-colored framework that sits on the wearer’s gums and artificial teeth attached to it. Dentures require daily cleaning to improve the wearer’s experience and the device’s longevity. This goes beyond simply cleaning the prosthesis with a toothbrush daily.

Not properly cleaning dentures leads to plaque buildup, which puts the wearer at risk of gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up in the mouth. It is made by oral bacteria, and it is responsible for the mushy feeling people get in their mouths after sleeping.

Patients will need a soft-bristled toothbrush, a soft towel, and a denture cleaning solution to properly maintain their oral prosthetic. Denture cleaner can be substituted with mild soap if needed. However, toothpaste should never be used to clean dentures since many contain abrasive ingredients that lead to small cracks and scratches.

The routine

Dentures should be cleaned with a toothbrush and denture cleaner – or an acceptable substitute – at least once a day to keep them in good condition. Cleaning them twice a day is even better if possible. Place a soft towel on the counter when cleaning dentures in case the device is accidentally dropped. Dentures can be brittle, so it is better to have something soft to cushion its fall if dropped.

Rinse the oral prosthetic with water before cleaning it to remove any food particles, saliva, and other irritants on it. Clean all surfaces of the denture when cleaning it. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water afterward.

Dentures should also be soaked in denture-soaking solution or lukewarm water before going to bed. Dentures are designed for the moist environment of the mouth. These oral prosthetics often become brittle when allowed to dry out, and they can also lose their shape. Soaking dentures overnight prevents this from happening. Just remember to rinse with water before inserting them back in the mouth after soaking.

Never soak dentures in warm water since the heat can alter the shape of the materials used to make them. Other simple things patients can do to maintain their dentures include:

• Do not wear your dentures to sleep.
• Rinse dentures with water after meals.
• Never attempt denture repairs on your own. That typically only causes further damage.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using dental adhesives with your dentures.