How to Clean Dentures

A comfortable denture can be life-changing. Dentures have come a long way in helping people live happier lives. They can improve your chewing efficiency and give you better speech function. If you have dentures, you know this to be true.

However, as with natural teeth, there are certain things to remember when caring for dentures. For example, how to clean them. Though dentures are designed to look like natural teeth, wearers should not clean them with the same products, like toothpaste. Read on to learn about the proper care and cleaning tips for dentures.

Care and cleaning tips

Regardless if a denture wearer has full dentures or removable partial dentures, they should always be properly cared for. Like natural teeth, dentures tend to attract tartar build-up, bacteria and stains. Brushing and rinsing dentures is key to preserving the quality and appearance of a denture. When brushing the dentures, though, wearers should avoid using regular toothpaste. Regular toothpaste is abrasive and may damage dentures. Wearers should also be careful not to bend the metal clasps.

Denture wearers should also brush their tongue and gums to remove tiny food particles or bacteria that may build up beneath the dentures. Rinsing after eating can also help prevent food particles from building up. However, when rinsing dentures, wearers should fill the sink with water or place a towel in the sink to lessen the impact if the dentures fall. Doing this will help prevent denture damage such as cracks and broken teeth.

Once dentures are completely cleaned in the evening, they should always soak overnight. While there are soaking solutions for dentures, room temperature water works well too. In the morning, wearers should rinse their dentures to remove residual chemicals found in some denture-soaking solutions. If these are not rinsed off the dentures before putting them in, it may result in pain or vomiting.

One of the last important steps to caring for dentures is keeping up on regular dental checkups. During these checkups, dentures are cleaned to remove built-up and hard to remove plaque. Additionally, a general dentist will also examine the dentures for signs of damage and check the overall fit. If signs of discomfort are present or the denture is no longer fitting the wearer as it should, the dentist may recommend an adjustment.

Things to avoid while cleaning dentures

While there are several steps a wearer can follow to clean their dentures, there are things that should be avoided. For example, stiff-bristled toothbrushes, regular toothpaste and harsh cleansers should be avoided. Whitening toothpaste is also harmful to dentures because it contains peroxide. This can cause discoloration.

In addition, wearers should never soak dentures in hot water. Hot water is harmful to dentures and may cause them to warp and change shape. This would compromise the overall fit of the denture. Then the wearer may require a total replacement.

Learn to clean your dentures

If you are new to dentures, you may be wondering how to care for them. Fortunately, there are several tips to help guide you through the cleaning process to keep your dentures looking new. If you have questions about the denture cleaning and care process, a general dentist can give you the necessary information. Contact your dentist today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 359-0147 for an appointment in our St. George office.

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