Caring for Dentures at Home
Wearing dentures brings unique oral health challenges. Without diligent denture care, plaque and bacteria can build up leading to stained, smelly, or damaged false teeth. Knowing the right denture cleaning methods allows you to keep your smile healthy and bright at home between dental visits.
Types of Dentures
Dentures can replace missing teeth in two main ways:
- Full dentures - Fit over the gums to replace an entire set of missing teeth, upper and/or lower.
- Partial dentures - Used when only some natural teeth are missing to fill gaps alongside remaining teeth.
Both full and partial dentures can be removable or permanently anchored by dental implants.
Importance of Denture Care
Without proper cleaning, dentures provide the perfect breeding ground for odor and stain causing bacteria, yeasts, and plaque. Food debris also sticks readily to false teeth. Thats why excellent at home denture hygiene using effective cleaning methods is so critical.
Can You Use Toothpaste on Dentures?
Regular toothpastes like those used to brush natural teeth can be too abrasive for the acrylic and metals in dentures. Using everyday toothpaste risks gradually scratching, scraping, and wearing down your false teeth over time requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
Best Home Cleaning Options for Dentures
Rather than toothpaste meant for biological enamel, choose specially formulated denture cleaning products and alternative home remedies better suited to the materials in false teeth.
Denture Cleanser
Look for an effervescing tablet or alkaline peroxide soak solution specifically labeled for cleaning dentures and neutralizing odor causing bacteria. Brands like Efferdent, Polident, and Fixodent are common. Follow instructions on soaking duration.
Denture Brush
Invest in a quality denture brush with soft nylon bristles arranged in staggered rows on opposite sides. This specialized brush design allows thorough scrubbing of the ridges, crevices and uneven surfaces of dentures.
Denture Toothpaste
While regular toothpaste is too harsh for false teeth, choosing a specialty denture toothpaste formulated for acrylic adhesives allows gentle hand scrubbing. Use denture-safe toothpaste for manual cleaning only not auto-dispensing electrical toothbrushes.
Mild Dish Soap
In a pinch, a few drops of mild unscented dish soap mixed with warm water works for quick denture cleansing. Avoid soaps with strong perfumes or color additives that could stain.
Baking Soda
The mild abrasive and alkaline properties in simple baking soda make it an effective do-it-yourself denture cleaner. Mix just enough water to form a paste, gently scrub, then rinse thoroughly.
White Vinegar
As a mild acid, white distilled vinegar kills odor causing oral bacteria with just a 10 minute soak. Rinse dentures well before wearing again. Dont brush immediately after to avoid excess wear.
Step-by-Step Denture Cleaning Routine
For denture care at home, this ideal daily cleaning regimen removes debris, stains, and destructive bacteria:
Rinse After Each Meal
Swish dentures gently after eating to dislodge larger food particles before they dry and adhere to the false teeth surfaces. Use cool or lukewarm water only.
Brush Over a Basin
Clean over a filled sink or shallow bowl in case you accidentally drop them while brushing. Avoid hard surfaces that could crack or chip dentures if dropped.
Remove Denture Adhesives
Before thorough cleaning, first remove any denture cream, paste, powder or adhesive. Use a soft toothbrush and warm water to gently clear residue.
Soak in Denture Cleanser
Let dentures soak for 5-10 minutes in an appropriate cleanser solution to loosen plaque and surface stains.
Gently Brush All Surfaces
Carefully scrub both the insides and outsides of upper and lower dentures including ridges, sockets, and chewing surfaces using specialty bristles.
Rinse Extremely Well
Thoroughly rinse away all soap, cleanser, or cleaning paste residue under warm running water to avoid accidental swallowing or irritation.
Air Dry Completely
Allow dentures to air dry on a clean towel overnight whenever possible. Dampness encourages rapid bacterial overgrowth.
Storing Dentures Overnight
How and where you store dentures when not being worn also impacts cleaning effectiveness and oral health:
Soak Dentures Overnight
Continue soaking and rinsing dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight. This further reduces bacteria missed after brushing while you sleep.
Avoid Water Only
Dont soak false teeth in plain water as this allows microbes to thrive. Use an alkaline peroxide, soap, mouthwash, vinegar, or specialty cleanser overnight instead.
Invest in a Denture Bath
Dedicated covered denture bath containers allow soaking and secure neatly stacking both top and bottom dentures together minimizing risk of damage.
Dry Thoroughly Before Putting Away
Gently dry dentures with a soft lint-free towel after removing from overnight soak and before storage. Place on a dry paper towel or cloth.
Store Dentures in Open Air
If possible, dont use closed denture boxes or pouches which can trap moisture. Letting dentures air out prevents bacterial overgrowth.
Avoid These Denture Cleaning Mistakes
When caring for false teeth at home, skip these common cleaning faux pas:
No Toothpaste
The abrasives in regular toothpastes like whitening, tartar control, or baking soda varieties wear down denture materials. Use specialty denture paste instead.
No Hot Water
While warm water can help loosen food debris, avoid very hot water when rinsing or soaking dentures as excessive heat can warp shape over time.
No Bleach
Household bleach solutions may seem to whiten dentures, but the caustic chemicals gradually break down construction integrity weakening and corroding denture bases and teeth.
No Hard Scrubbing
Aggressive scrubbing with stiff brushes can damage and scratch dentures. Use only soft specialty denture brushes and light pressure when brushing.
No Alcohol or Peroxide
While alcohol based mouthwashes temporarily kill bacteria, both alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can deteriorate denture adhesives with long term use.
When to Rebrush Dentures
If you remove your dentures during the day for any reason, be sure to thoroughly rebrush them upon reinsertion. This prevents transferring built up bacteria into your mouth after even short term removal leading to infection and unhealthy oral flora overgrowth. Ideally, brush your gums and tongue too before replacing cleaned dentures.
Reasons to Remove and Rebrush During Day
- Eating sticky, chewy, or especially sugary foods
- If dentures become uncomfortably loose
- Oral irritation or perceived biofilm on dentures
- Before oral intimacy or kissing
- Halitosis or bad breath
Establishing diligent daily denture cleaning habits at home ensures your smile stays fresh, odor free, and comfortable in between dental office visits and eventual false teeth replacement.
FAQs
Can I use mouthwash to clean my dentures?
Use caution with mouthwash. Most contain alcohol which can deteriorate denture adhesives over time. An alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash is best for quick cleaning if brushing isn't possible. Don't substitute it for thorough brushing though.
How do I get the brown stains off my dentures?
Tough stains may require a more aggressive approach. Make a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Very gently rub onto stained areas of the dentures using a soft brush or cotton swab then rinse. Do not scrub hard.
Can I sleep with dentures in my mouth?
You should remove and thoroughly clean dentures nightly before bed, allowing your gums a chance to rest. If you prefer to wear them while sleeping, be sure to clean extremely well before insertion to avoid bacterial buildup in the mouth all night.
How often should dentures be professionally cleaned?
Even with diligent at home care, dentures should be evaluated by your dentist and given a deep professional cleaning at least once per year. This removes hardened calculus not possible to eliminate with regular brushing. Annual exams also check for needed adjustments or repairs.
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.
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