How To Clean Dentures? Our Comprehensive Guide For Denture Cleaning

how to clean dentures

Dentures or false teeth implants are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit perfectly in your mouth to restore your radiant smile, make it easy to eat and talk, improve oral health, and boost self-confidence. But just like natural teeth, daily denture cleaning is a necessity with the utmost care. 

Maintenance is pretty straightforward, and with a bit of practice, you’ll soon be caring for them like a pro. At Dentaservice, we will help you explain why and how to clean dentures, whilst keeping them looking natural.

In this blog, we will be discussing: 

How to Clean Dentures: Three Reasons to clean your dentures every day

  1. Dentures contain false teeth and gums that, like your natural teeth, it can get coated with plaque, which can harden and become a fertile breeding ground for bacteria.
  2. Food particles from your last meal can get lodged under your dental implants and cause gum disease and bad breath.
  3. Severe gum disease can result in implant failure. You will not only be unable to use the implants but your tooth replacement options will be severely limited.

If you are unsure about how to clean dentures, this step-by-step guide will help.

How to Clean Dentures: A step-by-step guide

All it takes is a few minutes to clean your dentures thoroughly. It is recommended to clean your false teeth implants at least once a day, although twice daily is best.

Step 1: Prepare

Your dentures are strong, but they can chip or break if they are dropped. Place a folded towel in the sink and fill it with a few inches of water; that can prevent your dentures from breaking if you accidentally drop them.

Step 2: Remove

Remove your dentures carefully. If you use denture adhesive to prevent your dentures from falling out, fill your mouth with warm water and swish – repeat until they are loose enough to remove.

Remove any adhesive from your mouth using slightly hot water and toothpaste. Any adhesive on your dentures can be removed with cold water. Do not forget to clean the rest of your mouth when you remove your dentures. That includes cleaning the gums, tongue, and the top of your mouth.

Step 3: Rinse 

Place the dentures under running water to remove any loose food debris. Handle your dentures carefully without bending or damaging the pasting or the clasps.

Step 4: Soak

Soak the dentures in enough water. You can also use a denture-cleaning formula, allowing your false teeth implants to be completely submerged in the solution for the required time (this will be specified on the denture cleaning product packaging). That will kill bacteria, remove dental plaque, and loosen some debris, but not all of it.

Step 5: Brush

Remove the dentures from the solution, placing them on a soft surface like a folded towel for protection when brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently but thoroughly brush all the surfaces – the teeth and the gums. That will remove any remaining debris, stains, and hardened plaque. Pay particular attention to the grooves that fit against your natural gums.

Step 6: Rinse

Rinse your dentures in clean water before fitting them back into your mouth. Do not skip this step, especially when using a denture-cleaning solution.

Finally, meet with your dentist regularly to adjust your dentures, get them checked for damage and informed suggestions on how to clean dentures.

how to clean dentures, false teeth implants

What Not to Do with your Dentures

While we have informed you on how to clean dentures, here are some tips to not do with your dentures: 

  • Do not use a denture-soaking solution with your dentures in your mouth, as the solution is not suitable for your mouth and gums.
  • Do not soak dentures for more than 10 minutes in any product containing sodium hypochlorite bleach or sodium hypochlorite.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or a stiff toothbrush to clean your false teeth implants. They can damage the material of your dentures and cause problems when you wear them.
  • Do not sleep with your dentures in your mouth. Soak them in water overnight (so they stay moist) and rinse them before putting them on in the morning.
  • Do not try to sterilise your dentures with boiling water, as it could melt or warp the material.
  • Do not use whitening products designed to whiten natural teeth to clean your dentures, as these products do not have the same effect on dental implants.
  • Do not use bleaching products or chlorine-containing solutions on dentures; they could weaken, tarnish, and corrode the metal.

Some Home Remedies on How to Clean Dentures:

Instead of using an expensive commercial denture cleaning solution, you can clean your dentures with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. The solution can also help retain whiteness. Soak the dentures in the solution and then brush them thoroughly. Do not use this on partial dentures. 

If you prefer to use a toothpaste-like formula to clean your false teeth implants, mix finely-ground salt or baking soda with glycerine. You can even add a mint flavour for a more toothpaste taste. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Dentist for your Denture Needs:

You need a reliable and caring dentist for your denture needs. A reliable dentist will explain all your denture options and then fit you with the dentures you choose. Once fitted, they will continue to provide you with regular checkups, adjusting how your dentures fit, checking for damages, and keeping an eye on your oral health. They will also show you how to clean dentures the right way.

If you are a denture wearer or considering getting dentures, we are here to help. We understand that your needs cannot wait. Our prosthodontists will always find the time to offer you the best dental care for your needs. Dentaservice is committed to providing excellent and comprehensive dental services, including long-lasting and affordable dentures and denture-related services. All our treatments are carried out with the utmost compassion and attention to detail.
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Visit us today or contact us for more information on our denture treatment at Dentaservice in Epping.