For those who wear dentures, maintaining denture cleanliness is essential to their appearance and functionality. Denture cleaning not only helps prevent bad breath and gum disease but also extends the lifespan of your removable dentures. Whether you have complete or partial dentures, cleaning dentures regularly and properly is important.

This blog will discuss various cleaning methods, the necessary tools, and tips for keeping dentures in excellent condition.

Why Is Cleaning Dentures Important?

Like natural teeth, dentures are exposed to food particles, bacteria, and plaque. These particles can build up if left uncleaned, leading to bad breath, gum disease, and even mouth sores. Regular denture cleaning improves oral hygiene and ensures that dentures remain comfortable to wear.

Keeping dentures clean also helps avoid staining. Just as whitening toothpaste can brighten natural teeth, denture cleansers can help remove stains and deposits that accumulate on dentures over time. These stains may become permanent without proper care, and dentures could weaken.

Tools You Need for Proper Denture Care

1. Denture Brush

A denture brush is a specialized brush with soft bristles for cleaning dentures. Unlike a regular toothbrush, a denture brush has larger bristles and a handle to make cleaning dentures easier. This is essential for removable dentures, as the bristles gently clean without scratching the delicate surface.

2. Soft Toothbrush

If a denture brush isn’t available, a soft toothbrush can also be used to clean dentures. Ensure the bristles are not too stiff, as hard bristles can scratch the denture base and damage the material.

3. Denture Cleaning Solution

A denture cleaning solution or denture cleanser is formulated specifically for cleaning dentures. These solutions can be used with denture brushes to clean dentures and remove plaque and stains thoroughly.

4. Denture Soaking Solution

Denture soaking solutions are helpful for deep cleaning. These solutions help remove loose food particles, bacteria, and stains that regular brushing might miss. Soaking dentures overnight in these solutions can keep them fresh and hygienic.

5. Denture Adhesives

If your dentures need extra support, denture adhesives can help them stay in place. However, it’s important to remember that denture adhesives don’t replace proper denture cleaning.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Dentures

Step 1: Rinse Dentures After Meals

After every meal, it’s important to rinse dentures to remove any loose food particles. Rinsing helps reduce food buildup on your dentures and prevents bacterial growth. Use warm water to rinse, but avoid hot water, which can cause the denture base to warp or weaken.

Step 2: Brush Dentures with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush. Use gentle motions to avoid damaging the denture base or scratching the surface of the dentures.

• Apply a small amount of whitening toothpaste or denture cleansers to the brush. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it may be too abrasive and damage dentures.
• Gently scrub all parts of the dentures, including the denture base, teeth, and gum tissue areas. Clean the adjacent teeth and gums thoroughly to maintain good oral health.

Step 3: Soak Dentures Overnight

One of the best ways to clean dentures is by soaking them overnight. Denture soaking solutions are designed to break down plaque and stains that brushing may not completely remove. They also help disinfect the dentures.

• Place your dentures in a container filled with the soaking solution, making sure the solution covers them fully.
• Let them soak for the recommended time per the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 6 to 8 hours). This helps disinfect the dentures and keeps them moist, preventing them from drying out or losing shape.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly Before Wearing

Before wearing your dentures the next day, rinse them thoroughly to remove any leftover denture cleaning solution. This step ensures that no harmful chemicals remain on the dentures that could irritate your mouth or gums.

Step 5: Clean the Denture Storage Case

It’s also essential to clean the container or denture storage case that holds your dentures. Over time, bacteria and germs can accumulate inside the case, leading to mouth sores or infections. Wash the storage case regularly with mild soap and warm water.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Dentures

While denture cleaning is vital to maintaining good oral hygiene, there are several things to avoid to protect your dentures:

• Avoid Hot Water: Never clean your dentures with hot water; it can warp the material and alter its fit. Always use warm water to clean your dentures.
• Do Not Use Regular Toothpaste: While regular toothpaste is good for natural teeth, it’s too abrasive for dentures. The abrasive particles in regular toothpaste can scratch the surface of your dentures, leading to discoloration and plaque buildup.
• Please don’t Use Bleach. Although bleach may seem like a good disinfectant, it can weaken your dentures and cause them to become brittle. It may also cause staining.
• Don’t Drop Your Dentures: When cleaning or handling dentures, be careful not to drop them. Dentures are delicate, and dropping them can cause them to break or crack. It’s best to clean dentures with a soft towel or a basin of water to prevent damage.

Signs Your Dentures Need Professional Cleaning

While regular at-home cleaning can maintain denture cleanliness, there are times when your dentures will need professional attention. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time for a dental professional to examine your dentures:

• Persistent Bad Breath: If you’ve been cleaning your dentures properly and still experience bad breath, there may be deeper issues like bacteria buildup or infections. A dentist can assess and treat any underlying conditions.
• Stains or Discoloration: If your dentures are becoming stained or discolored, despite regular cleaning, a dental professional may be able to polish or deep-clean them to restore their original appearance.
• Loose or Worn Dentures: If your dentures no longer fit comfortably or have become loose, it’s essential to visit a dentist. Worn dentures may need to be relined or replaced to ensure they continue to function properly.

How to Maintain Proper Care for Your Dentures

Proper care for dentures goes beyond just cleaning. Here are a few additional tips for denture wearers to keep their dentures in good condition:

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can cause staining and a buildup of plaque on your dentures, as well as negatively impact gum health.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Even if you have dentures, visiting your dentist regularly is important. Your dentist can ensure that your dentures still fit properly, check for any signs of gum disease, and make any necessary adjustments.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Even if you no longer have natural teeth, maintaining oral hygiene is still important. Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and promote healthy saliva flow.
• Store Dentures Properly: When not in use, denture wearers should store their dentures in a moist environment, like a soaking solution or warm water, to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning dentures is essential for maintaining good oral health and staying functional and comfortable. Cleaning your dentures can become a simple part of your daily routine with the right tools, such as a denture brush, denture cleansers, and denture soaking solutions.

Following proper care instructions, rinsing, brushing, and soaking your dentures overnight can keep them in optimal condition, prevent staining, and ensure your oral health remains in top shape. Regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning and adjustments will also help you maintain the best fit and comfort for your dentures.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/denture-care

https://www.dentalhealth.org/denture-cleaning

https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375#:~:text=Brush%20your%20dentures%20at%20least%20daily.&text=Soak%20and%20brush%20them%20with,rid%20of%20any%20leftover%20adhesive.