Baking Soda Cleans Dentures by Removing Plaque and Bacteria

Using Baking Soda to Remove Plaque Buildup from Dentures

Wearing dentures can take some getting used to. Not only do they feel foreign in your mouth at first, but they also require special care to keep them clean and plaque-free. Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that adheres to all surfaces in the mouth - including dentures.

If plaque is allowed to accumulate on dentures, it can lead to a number of problems: bad breath, stained teeth, irritated gums, and even more plaque. That's why it's so important to regularly remove denture plaque and thoroughly clean your false teeth.

Using Baking Soda as a Denture Cleaner

Baking soda is an inexpensive, simple way to help remove stubborn plaque and stains from dentures. It works in a few different ways:

• Acts as a gentle abrasive to physically scrub away buildup
• Neutralizes odors to freshen breath
• Creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth

Due to these unique properties, baking soda is considered one of the best home remedies for cleaning false teeth. But how exactly do you use it?

Methods for Using Baking Soda on Dentures

There are a few different techniques you can use to leverage the power of baking soda:

Baking Soda Soak

One of the simplest ways to use baking soda is to soak your dentures in a solution of baking soda and warm water. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Remove dentures and rinse thoroughly with warm water
2. Fill a small bowl with warm water and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda until dissolved
3. Place dentures in baking soda bath and let soak for 5-10 minutes
4. After soaking, gently brush dentures with a soft bristle toothbrush
5. Rinse dentures thoroughly before placing back in mouth

Aim to do this daily or a few times per week to prevent plaque buildup and keep your false teeth sparkling clean.

Baking Soda Scrub

For stubborn plaque that a soak doesn't fully remove, try using baking soda as a mildly abrasive scrub:

1. Dampen soft bristle toothbrush with warm water
2. Dip dampened toothbrush in baking soda to coat the bristles
3. Gently brush the surfaces of dentures for 1-2 minutes
4. When finished brushing, thoroughly rinse dentures with warm water

You can use this technique a few times per week in place of regular denture brushing to remove clinging debris and discoloration.

DIY Denture Cleaning Pastes

For on-the-go cleaning, you can make DIY pastes combining baking soda with other helpful ingredients like coconut oil, lemon juice, or salt. Here are a couple effective options:

Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Paste

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)

1. Stir together baking soda and melted coconut oil until it forms a paste
2. Use fingers or soft toothbrush to apply paste to all denture surfaces
3. Let sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Enough lemon juice to form a thick paste

1. Mix baking soda and fresh lemon juice together
2. Spread paste onto damp dentures and let sit for 5 minutes
3. Rinse paste off with warm water

These pastes conveniently come together in just a minute or two but provide that extra plaque-busting power when you need it.

Why Baking Soda Works So Well for Denture Cleaning

There are a few key reasons why baking soda is highly effective at cleaning and freshening dentures:

1. Baking Soda is Abrasive

While baking soda is gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces like teeth and gums, its gritty texture also acts as a very mild abrasive. This light abrasive quality is what helps it scrub away built-up plaque, stains, and tartar as it makes contact with your denture surfaces and crevices.

2. Baking Soda is Antibacterial

In addition to its physical cleaning powers, baking soda also cleans and deodorizes by creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth. As an alkaline base, baking soda helps neutralize acids in the mouth for fresher breath.

3. Baking Soda is Affordable and Accessible

Nearly everyone has a box of baking soda around the house for cooking and cleaning purposes. This makes it an extremely budget-friendly denture cleaning solution. No need to buy expensive, specialty cleansers when this versatile powder does the trick!

Other Helpful Tips for Keeping Dentures Fresh and Clean

While baking soda is a denture wearer's best friend, there are additional things you can do to keep your false teeth in tip-top shape:

Brush and Rinse Dentures After Every Meal

Get in the habit of removing your dentures after eating to gently brush away food debris after every meal. This helps prevent particles from getting lodged and bacteria from accumulating.

Soak Dentures Overnight

Most dental professionals recommend soaking dentures in cleansing solution overnight while you sleep. This gives them an extended bath to keep them meticulously clean between brushings.

Regular Dental Checkups

Even though you wear removable dentures, attending regular dental appointments is still essential.Your dentist can make sure they still fit properly and check for issues like irritation and plaque buildup.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners

It can be tempting to use strong chemical cleansers that promise to leave dentures sparkling clean, but these often do more harm than good. Stick to all-natural remedies whenever possible or seek dentist recommendations.

Signs It's Time to Rebase or Repair Dentures

No matter how diligent your at-home cleaning routine, dentures still need occasional professional attention. Here are a few key signs it's time to check in with your denturist:

• Dentures are loose, chafing or irritating your gums
• You notice cracks, chips or holes developing
• Teeth appear worn down, affecting your bite
• Permanent staining that won't come out with cleaning
• Plaque and tartar easily builds up again after cleaning

Depending on the issue at hand, your denturist may recommend getting them rebased, repaired, or completely remade. With the right maintenance, a well-constructed pair of partial or full dentures can serve you well for 5-10 years.

Restore Your Confident Smile

Taking good care of your false teeth ensures they continue feeling comfortable and functioning at their best. Without regular cleaning, plaque buildup can undermine their fit and performance over time. Get into a solid denture care routine that includes periodically using baking soda - an affordable and effective home remedy for keeping dentures crystal clean.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.