18/10/2021
What’s the best way to clean your dentures?
Plaque and food stick to dentures in the same way they stick to natural teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on dentures and teeth after eating and drinking.
If you don’t clean your dentures, plaque can build up, putting you at risk of gum disease and bad breath.
Regular cleanings are vital to your overall oral health. To keep dentures clean, you’ll need the following:
a soft-bristled toothbrush
water
denture cleaning solution or mild soap
a soft towel
Plan to brush your dentures at least once daily. Brushing them twice a day, every morning and every night is even better. But don’t use toothpaste when brushing your dentures.
Many toothpaste brands contain ingredients that are too abrasive for removable teeth. These toothpastes can gradually damage the surface of dentures, leaving scratches or small cracks.
Instead, brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for dentures. These toothbrushes can prevent scratches on the surface of your dentures.
Even though brushing is important, brushing alone doesn’t clean dentures. To maintain dentures long-term, you must thoroughly clean them each night after removal.
Cleaning instructions
Step 1. Place a soft, folded towel on your bathroom counter before removing your dentures. If you accidentally drop your dentures, the softness provides a cushion to protect them.
Step 2. Remove the dentures from your mouth and rinse them with warm water.
Step 3. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush your dentures to loosen and remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Clean all areas of the denture surface. You can use a denture cleanser or mild soap and warm water. Brushing also loosens and removes any denture adhesive. After brushing, rinse the dentures with warm water.
Step 4. If you’re going to bed, soak your dentures in lukewarm water or a denture-soaking solution overnight. Don’t let your dentures dry out. Dryness causes them to lose their shape and become more brittle. In the mornings, rinse your dentures before wearing.
Warning. Don’t soak your dentures in hot water. Heat can alter the shape of the material.
