Cleaning false teeth is just as important as keeping your natural teeth clean. Following your dentist’s care instructions for denture cleaning, every day is important to prevent plaque buildup and to keep your mouth and gums healthy. Let’s take a closer look at how to clean dentures.
What Is A Denture?
A denture is a set of false teeth to replace lost or missing teeth. A partial denture is used when only a few teeth in an arch are missing, while a complete denture replaces an entire arch. A denture is removable and will need to be replaced every few years.
The Importance Of Cleaning False Teeth
Partial and complete dentures and removable, which makes it much easier to clean them. Taking them out also gives your gums a rest while you sleep at night. Daily cleaning of dentures is recommended, usually at night before bedtime. Just like natural teeth, dentures can harbour bacteria and accumulate plaque. Because they sit on top of your gums, there is also the chance of bacteria building between the denture and the gumline or the roof of the mouth.
If your dentures are not cleaned properly, it can lead to bad breath and the development of an infection affecting your remaining natural teeth or gums. Not cleaning it properly can also stain and discolour your denture.
A comfortable and well-fitting denture offers you the best tooth replacement experience. It may take a little while to get used to speaking and eating with false teeth, but once you are it really can enhance your quality of life
How To Clean Dentures?
Remember that your dentures are fragile and should be handled with care. Remove them over a basin that has been lined with a towel or filled with water, just in case you drop your denture.
When cleaning false teeth it is recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, detergent or soap to clean your denture. Make small circular movements, taking care to clean each tooth completely, working systematically from one side of the jaw to the other.
Abrasive toothpaste and hard-bristled toothbrushes should be avoided as they can cause damage to your denture. Whitening toothpaste should also be avoided as it can cause damage to the surface of your denture. You can buy toothpaste, especially for your denture, as conventional toothpaste can also cause discolouration of false teeth or the gums to lose their pinkness.
You should also avoid cleaning and rinsing with very hot water as this can cause damage to your false teeth, or cause your denture to lose shape.
Soaking your dentures will give them a thorough clean and remove any build-up that is not removed by brushing. You can buy a denture soak or soak it in a solution of vinegar and water or baking soda and water. Just remember to rinse them well before putting them back into your mouth. A partial denture should not be soaked in a vinegar and water solution as it can damage the metal components.
You should also leave your denture to soak in water overnight to prevent it from drying out. Taking your false teeth out at night gives your gums a chance to recover and makes them less susceptible to irritation.
Don’t forget to clean your gums and brush and floss any remaining natural teeth. You should use a different toothbrush to clean your denture and your natural teeth. Also remember to brush your tongue as it contains a lot of bacteria, which can lead to plaque build-up and bad breath. You could also consider rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Visit your dental practitioner regularly so that the health of your gums and remaining natural teeth can be evaluated. Your dentist will also assess your denture and make recommendations about repairs and relining to ensure it stays comfortable and functional.
How To Clean Dentures And Remove Stains?
If you are exposing your denture to substances you know will cause stains over time, make sure you rinse your denture after that cup of coffee or glass of red wine.
Quit Smoking
If you are exposing your denture to substances you know will cause stains over time, make sure you rinse your denture after that cup of coffee or glass of red wine.
How To Manage Sore Spots?
If your denture has lost shape and is slipping around, you may develop sore spots or points of irritation on your gums. Contact your dental practitioner so you can make an appointment for a denture adjustment. Remember that you should not try to repair or adjust your own denture as you can cause irreparable damage.
Remove your denture for as long as you can and keep rinsing your mouth with a warm saline solution to keep your mouth clean and soothe your gums. If possible you can wear your denture 24 hours before your appointment, and your dental practitioner will be able to see the points that need adjusting.
To find out more about how to clean dentures, relining or denture repairs, it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (03) 9626 9581.
Dentures are customised to the size and shape of your mouth so when you first get them they should fit you comfortably. Over time you Read more
