Proper Cleaning Guide for Dentures

Proper cleaning not only ensures a bright smile but also prolongs the lifespan of your dentures and protects your oral health. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to clean your dentures effectively.

Rinse After Eating

After every meal if possible rinse your mouth to help remove food particles and debris. If removing your denture be careful because they can break if dropped. It’s recommended to take your dentures out over a soft surface such as a towel. When rinsing, never use hot water to avoid potentially warping the acrylic.

Daily Brushing

Just like natural teeth, dentures need daily brushing to prevent plaque buildup and stains. Remove the denture and use a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for dentures. Regular toothbrushes can be too abrasive. 

Choose only denture cleaner or mild soap; toothpaste is too abrasive for dentures. Marring the surface with abrasive cleaners will increase staining over time. Gently brush all surfaces of the dentures to remove food particles and plaque.

Soak Overnight

Soaking your dentures overnight is essential to keeping them moist and maintaining their shape. Use a denture-soaking solution or plain water. Avoid using hot water, which can distort the dentures. Soaking overnight isn't necessary for dentures, but it is a good practice to keep your gum tissue healthy. 

Never taking out your denture is like never taking off your socks. Denture wearers often suffer from thrush caused by not allowing their tissue to breathe.

However, never let your denture dry out; this can distort its shape. If this the denture is outside of your mouth it should be placed in water or a cleaning solution.

Clean Your Mouth

Even if you wear complete dentures, you still need to care for your mouth. Before inserting your dentures every morning, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to cleanse your mouth. This not only keeps your mouth clean but also increases circulation.

Handle with Care

Dentures can easily break, so be careful when removing them. When handling them, do so over a soft surface, like a towel or water-filled sink. Avoid sharp objects when cleaning dentures to prevent damaging the acrylic or plastic resin.

Regular Check-ups

Some may be surprised to learn they still need to maintain dental checkups. This is because, over time, the shape of our face and mouth changes. It is best to have the health of the mouth and the fit of your dentures periodically checked.

Avoid Certain Products

Stay away from whitening toothpaste, bleach, and household cleaners. These products can damage your dentures. Also, avoid soaking dentures with metal attachments in chlorine-containing solutions, as this can cause tarnishing.

Following these steps ensures that your dentures remain clean, comfortable, and in good condition. Regular maintenance and gentle handling will keep your dentures looking their best and functioning correctly for years. If you have questions about dentures we are here serving Salem, MA. Our advanced dental team is here for you, give us a call.