How to clean dentures
Cleaning dentures and the importance of doing so
Your dentures are a big part of your new smile. Proper denture care is an essential step in good oral hygiene. Keep your mouth healthier and happier with a cleaning routine that makes your teeth shine by knowing how to clean your dentures.
Why care about denture care? Because...
1. It prevents painful infections and sores
Proper denture care helps remove food particles and other microorganisms that can cause fungal infections, gum inflammation, sores and even mouth ulcers.
2. It keeps your smile looking great
Why give up a bright, white smile? Daily care, along with the right denture cleaner, can prevent staining of your dentures.
How to clean your dentures: daily tips and tricks
Handle with care Even the most durable dentures have clasps and other malleable materials which you don’t want damage or bend while cleaning.
Rinse after soaking If you soak your dentures when you're not wearing them—and you should—make sure to rinse them before putting them in. This is especially true if you soak in a solution, as you don't want to ingest the chemicals.
Rinse after eating Remove your dentures and run water over them after meals and snacks. This will help prevent food particles from getting stuck to them or your gums.
Brush them daily Remove and brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner to remove any lingering food, plaque or denture adhesive still stuck to them.
Keep a hygiene routine After removing your dentures for the night, clean your natural teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush. Make sure to use a brush or gauze to clean your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth as well.
Soak while you sleep Submerging your dentures in water or (preferably) a denture-soaking solution will help your dentures retain their shape and fit. Your Aspen Dental office can help guide you on solutions to use.
Beware – this isn’t denture care
Don’t use any of the following to clean your dentures:
Hot water: it can affect the shape of your dentures
Whitening toothpaste: Peroxide has virtually no positive effect on dentures
Bleach: it can significantly weaken the structure of your dentures and affect its appearance
Abrasive cleaners: they are designed for much tougher things than dentures
Keep seeing your dentist
Remember, even after you get your dentures, you still need to get regular checkups and have your dentures and natural teeth professionally cleaned. This helps keep your mouth healthy, your dentures fitting nicely and you smiling widely.
