Why Cleaning Dentures is Essential?

We brush our teeth after sleeping and after eating, and we wash our hands after being outside; similarly, dentures need to be cleaned.

The primary reason for this is bacteria. When food and drinks come in contact with the oral cavity, a plethora of bacteria arises, multiplying every second. They accumulate on tooth enamel, gums, beneath them, on the tongue, cheeks, and, of course, on the denture. The second, but equally vital reason, is to maintain the appearance of the dentures. After all, such removable structures are designed for long-term use. However, during consumption of food, drinks, and medicines, they are exposed to substances that can stain the denture. Regular cleaning helps to minimize this effect and prolong the life of the orthopedic structure.

Daily Cleaning of Dentures: Step-by-Step Guide

The best way to clean dentures is to do it daily. Such a daily routine, in addition to oral hygiene, will not only ensure the health of your teeth and gums but also care for the denture.

5 rules for daily care and cleaning of dentures:

1. Put on the denture only after rinsing it and cleaning the oral cavity with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
2. If possible, clean it after every meal.
3. Clean the denture before sleeping using a brush and a specific cleaning agent.
4. Use a separate, moderately stiff brush for cleaning the structure. These are special brushes designed for thorough cleaning of dentures. They have a curved shape that mirrors the anatomical bends of the denture, effectively removing plaque.
5. Don’t leave the denture overnight or during times you’re not wearing it on a bedside table or elsewhere. Immerse it in a specialized solution or a glass of water. It’s crucial that the denture doesn’t dry out.

A question that concerns many patients with dentures is, “Can you use toothpaste on dentures?” To answer that: no, toothpaste shouldn’t be used for cleaning dentures. Such oral hygiene products are considered too abrasive for the softer parts of the denture and can damage it. It’s better to use a specialized cleaning cream for this purpose. It effectively and gently removes food residues and bacterial plaque.

Deep Cleaning Dentures: Weekly or Bi-weekly Routine

With daily care now understood, it’s important to realize that this alone isn’t enough. Beyond daily hygiene, a weekly or bi-weekly deep cleaning regimen for your denture should be implemented. For this, you shouldn’t rely on daily cleaners but rather on specialized denture cleaning solutions. For instance, denture cleaning tablets can help remove not just bacteria and plaque, but also stubborn stains.

How do denture tablets work? They dissolve in water, and once dissolved, you submerge your denture into the solution for a few minutes, as per the instructions. After a short period, you can retrieve the cleaned denture. Thanks to the unique formula of these tablets, they gently clean and refresh the denture.

If you need dentures or are unsure about the right cleaning product for daily and deep denture care, consult your dentist. They can advise you on the best prosthetic option and help you choose the cleaning product tailored to your type of removable denture, as well as recommend a toothbrush and toothpaste for daily care.

How to Clean Badly Stained Dentures

 Stains on dental dentures can be disheartening. If you find dark or light stains on your denture, here are some tips to help you get rid of them or at least minimize their appearance.

Home Remedies for Cleaning

How to clean dentures naturally? Great question, and we have an answer. First and foremost, stick to a daily routine—clean your denture every morning and evening with a non-abrasive paste or cream, and store it in a solution. Rinse the denture with water and don’t forget oral hygiene (cleaning with toothpaste and using a mouthwash).

Specialized Cleaning Methods

How to intensively clean your dentures to eliminate stains and significant plaque? For this, you should regularly use additional cleaning products. These can include:

• Denture cleaning tablets: Dissolve in water and quickly clean the denture.
• Solutions or concentrated gels: Typically, these have a gentle, prolonged effect and are suitable for removing plaque and stains overnight.

Apart from the aforementioned methods, you might want to try auxiliary tools. For instance, ultrasonic cleaning baths are specialized devices filled with water. Items, including dental dentures, are submerged into these baths and, under ultrasonic influence, are cleaned of impurities and stains.

How to Keep Your Denture in Good Condition

• Follow hygiene guidelines.
• Reduce consumption of intensely colored foods.
• Don’t smoke.
• Rinse the denture with water after every meal.

Conclusion

To conclude this article, note that caring for the oral cavity and systematic cleaning of dental dentures is as crucial as regular preventive check-ups at the dentist’s. Even though a denture isn’t real teeth but a supplementary structure, it doesn’t negate the need for consistent dentist visits.

During these visits, the dentist not only examines the oral cavity and monitors the health of teeth and gums, but also checks the integrity of the denture and ensures its correct usage. So if you haven’t visited your dentist in a while, now is the time to do so and ensure everything is in order. Our team of doctors will gladly examine you and help tailor both daily and additional care for your denture.