Can You Use Mouthwash With Dentures? Tips for Proper Cleaning

Can You Use Mouthwash With Dentures?

Mouthwash can be an important part of your oral care routine even if you wear full or partial dentures. Using an ADA-approved antibacterial and anti-plaque mouthwash helps promote good oral hygiene and reduce your risk of issues like denture stomatitis, gum disease and bad breath.

However, not all mouthwashes are suitable to use with dentures. Alcohol-based formulas can dry out and distort denture materials. And harsh ingredients like hydrogen peroxide can actually damage your dentures over time.

By choosing the right non-alcohol mouthwash and using proper care, you can safely incorporate mouthwash into your daily cleansing routine while wearing removable false teeth. Keep reading to learn more about how to use mouthwash properly with your dentures.

Choosing the Best Mouthwash for Dentures

With so many options on the market, how do you know which mouthwash is right for your dentures? Here are a few tips:

• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol like listerine - alcohol can dry out and warp denture acrylics.
• Look for ADA-approved formulas without hydrogen peroxide - peroxide degrades denture materials.
• Choose antibacterial and anti-plaque mouthwashes to reduce bacterial growth.
• Pick a mouthwash with fluoride to help protect your natural teeth.
• Read labels and select products specifically labeled for use with dentures.

Best Mouthwashes for Dentures

Here are some top choices of effective yet denture-safe mouthwashes:

• Biotene Mouthwash - alcohol-free formula helps prevent dry mouth.
• ACT Total Care - provides a blend of antibacterial ingredients.
• Crest Pro-Health - ADA-accepted and helps kill bad breath germs.
• TheraBreath Denture Bath - specially designed to soak and clean dentures.
• Oral Essentials - uses zinc, oxygenating compounds and tea tree oil.

How to Use Mouthwash with Dentures

Follow these steps to properly use mouthwash as part of your denture care routine:

1. Rinse your dentures thoroughly with lukewarm water after meals and before soaking or brushing.
2. Soak dentures for 15-20 minutes in a denture cleansing bath if needed to loosen food debris and plaque.
3. Gently brush all denture surfaces, using a soft brush and nonabrasive toothpaste.
4. Rinse dentures again under warm running water to remove paste residue.
5. Fill a small cup with mouthwash and immerse your dentures.
6. Soak dentures in the mouthwash for 5 minutes to kill bacteria and freshen.
7. Remove and gently wipe dentures dry with a lint-free cloth.
8. Insert dentures back into your mouth.
9. Rinse your own mouth thoroughly with the same mouthwash for 60 seconds.
10. Spit out the mouthwash - do NOT swallow.

This simple process allows you to effectively use mouthwash without compromising your dentures. The additional rinse provides extra freshening power for your breath too.

Tips for Using Mouthwash with Dentures

Keep these tips in mind to use mouthwash safely and get the most benefit:

• Use mouthwash after brushing - it complements brushing but does not replace it.
• Rinse with mouthwash once or twice daily for best results.
• Remove your dentures before swishing liquid mouthwash in your mouth.
• Invest in separate denture and mouthwash cups to prevent bacterial transfer.
• Talk to your dentist if you experience irritation, altered taste or excessive dryness from using mouthwash.

Home Remedies for Cleaning Dentures

In addition to regular brushing and professional cleanings, there are some natural home remedies you can use to keep your dentures fresh, stain-free and hygienic between visits to the dentist.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive so it can gently scrub away stubborn plaque and tartar as you brush. It also deodorizes and creates an alkaline environment to discourage bacterial growth that causes bad breath and infection. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda into a small cup of warm water and soak dentures for 5-10 minutes once a day.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is acidic, which helps remove mineral deposits and staining that can build up on denture surfaces. It also kills odor-causing bacteria. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Soak dentures in the solution for 15 minutes daily to whiten and disinfect them.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, making it ideal for ensuring dentures stay lubricated and flexible if they start to feel dry. Swish a tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil around your mouth to coat oral tissues too. Its antibacterial properties keep bad breath at bay.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel contains enzymes and compounds that act as antiseptics and anti-inflammatories. This can help soothe irritation and swelling if your gums become tender under dentures. Gently rub dentures and gums with aloe vera 2-3 times per day for relief.

Denture Cleaner Tablets

Look for denture cleaner tablets formulated with mouth-healthy ingredients like peppermint oil, aloe vera, eucalyptus oil, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. These provide disinfecting and deodorizing effects in tablet form you can drop in water for a quick cleansing soak anytime.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly suggested online for cleaning dentures, but it should be avoided. While it bubbles away debris, hydrogen peroxide also degrades and corrodes denture materials over time. The damage adds up, so skip the hydrogen peroxide.

Antibacterial Dish Soap

Avoid dishwashing liquid for cleaning dentures, even if labeled antibacterial. The harsh detergents strip away natural salivary proteins adhering to dentures that help them properly fit and function in your mouth.

Lemon Juice

Skip the lemon juice for dentures too. While the acidity removes surface stains temporarily, it erodes denture materials, deforms shape over time and encourages fungal infection growth.

How to Clean Partial Dentures

Partial dentures that fill in gaps while retaining some natural teeth require a little extra care and cleaning attention. Here are useful tips for keeping your partial dentures clean and functional.

Rinse After Eating

Food particles are the main cause of odors, stains and bacterial buildup on dentures. Make it a habit to rinse your partial denture pieces under running water as soon you remove them after eating. Loose debris comes off easier before it dries and hardens.

Brush Natural Teeth First

Always brush your natural teeth first before scrubbing your partial denture. This prevents transferring new plaque and bacteria from your denture brush onto your toothbrush. Brush teeth thoroughly including along gumlines.

Remove Dentures to Brush

Take your partial denture out of your mouth to brush properly. Scrub all surfaces - acrylic base, wire clasps, connectors and artificial teeth - with a soft denture brush and nonabrasive toothpaste.

Soak for Deep Cleaning

Microscopic debris can still cling in the tiny crevices of partial denture frameworks. Let them soak 20 minutes in denture cleaning solution to penetrate and dissolve off clinging plaque. Rinse very well before wearing again.

Clean Around Clasps

Pay close attention to brushing around the metal clasps that anchor partial dentures to your natural teeth. Plaque buildup here raises your decay and gum disease risk. Use an interdental cleaner to remove particles.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Have your dentist thoroughly clean and examine your partial dentures during routine visits, just like your natural teeth. This ensures they fit correctly and stay healthy along with your oral tissues.

Preventing Denture Odor

Proper at-home cleaning combined with regular dental visits helps enormously, but you might still notice occasional denture odor between cleanings. What causes that unpleasant smell, and what extra steps can you take to get rid of it?

Causes of Denture Odor

A few common culprits lead to stinky dentures when bacteria and oral debris build up:

• Food - Particles stuck on dentures from eating cause odors as they decay.
• Plaque - This sticky film on dentures breeds smelly bacteria.
• Calculus - Hardened tartar traps in bacteria that release gases.
• Fungal Infections - Cheesy white thrush coating on gums stinks.
• Dry Mouth - Too little saliva allows odor-causing bacteria to thrive.
• Improper Cleaning - Skipping brushing or soaking leaves debris to rot.
• Ill-Fitting Dentures - Poor fit causes excess food entrapment underneath.

How to Eliminate Denture Odor

You can help control denture odor between cleanings using these methods:

• Soak dentures overnight in cleansing solution - helps penetrate plaque.
• Try a chlorine dioxide treatment - wipes out odor-causing bacteria.
• Brush tongue - reduces bacterial buildup that leads to bad breath.
• Chew sugarless gum - increases saliva flow to wash away food particles.
• Limit dairy - milk and cheese coat dentures and sour quickly.
• Quit smoking - reduces staining and gum disease risk.
• See your dentist promptly if odors persist - could indicate needed adjustment or repair.

When to See a Dentist

Schedule an office visit right away if you notice:

• Persistent foul odor from your mouth or dentures, even after cleaning
• White, yellow or greenish spots appearing on oral tissues
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Loose dentures that slide uncomfortably or rub your gums
• Broken, cracked or damaged dentures that need repair
• New irritation or sores anywhere in your mouth

Tartar removal, denture adjustment, antifungal medication or other treatments can get excessive denture odor under control again.

Do Dentures Need to Be Replaced?

With proper care, well-made dentures typically last 5-7 years or longer before needing replacement. However, your mouth is constantly changing so even quality dentures eventually require replacement for the best fit, function and appearance.

Signs You Need New Dentures

Consider new dentures when:

• They become loose and slide around when eating or talking.
• Your facial profile changes as bone and tissues shrink.
• Your bite feels off and teeth no longer come together properly.
• You have chronic sore spots or pressure ulcers on your gums.
• You see cracks, chips or wear in the acrylic bases.
• Teeth deteriorate or break, making your smile look incomplete.
• Stains, odors or calcified tartar cannot be removed with cleaning.
• You avoid certain foods due to difficulty chewing and biting.

Getting Used to New Dentures

Adjusting to the feel of new dentures takes patience. At first your speech may be altered and eating difficult until your muscles adjust. Practicing reading out loud and starting with soft foods helps. Proper break-in and several small adjustments by your dentist ensures well-fitting, functional new dentures.

Denture Relines

If your dentures are in good shape but just loose, a simple reline may buy you a few more years before needing replacement. This quick office procedure layers more acrylic material onto the underside of your dentures for a renewed snug fit.

Permanent Denture Options

Talk to your dentist about permanent denture solutions that do not require adhesives and only need to be replaced every 10-15 years on average. Options include dental implants or mini-dental implants to provide a sturdy base for attaching dentures.

Denture Care While Traveling

Don't leave home without them - a travel kit with denture cleansing supplies helps keep your smile healthy when on the go. Follow these tips for traveling with dentures:

Carry Denture Supplies

Pack a small kit containing:

• Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste
• Portable denture cup for soaking
• Denture cleaning tablets
• Small towel or soft-bristled brush for cleaning
• Adhesive if needed
• Hand soap

Keep Dentures Moist

Dryness warps and shrinks dentures. Bring bottled water or rinse with water from drinking fountains frequently. Soak in water if removing for long periods.

Rinse After Eating

Gently brush with drinking water, mouthwash or wet towel after meals. Avoid abrasive scrubbing that can damage dentures while away from home.

Protect Dentures

Use a protective denture case when not wearing. Never place loose dentures in pockets or bags where they may break. Take dentures out while sleeping.

Visit a Dentist if Needed

If dentures break, crack or irritate your gums badly, seek out a local dentist for repair or adjustment rather than waiting until your return.

Dentures and Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a durable, permanent solution for missing teeth. Implants can also anchor and stabilize dentures for people needing full or partial denture treatment.

Benefits of Implants with Dentures

Implants for dentures offer advantages including:

• Improved stability - dentures snap securely into place instead of slipping.
• Better fit - attached dentures follow jawbone contours precisely.
• Restore chewing ability - implants allow proper biting force and sensation.
• More comfort - no slippage or movement helps prevent sore spots.
• Natural appearance - minimal prosthetics needed.
• Bone preservation - implants prevent atrophy that causes loose dentures.
• Long lasting - implant-supported dentures may last 10-15 years or more.

Types of Implant Dentures

Two main types of implant dentures include:

• Implant-supported overdentures - Several implants anchor the denture base securely to the jawbone.
• Implant-retained dentures - Clasps or attachments on the dent

  FAQs

  Is it okay to use mouthwash with dentures?

  Yes, you can safely use mouthwash if you wear full or partial dentures. Just choose an alcohol-free, ADA-approved antibacterial formula designed for dentures. Avoid mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol that can damage denture materials.

  How often should I soak my dentures in mouthwash?

  Plan to soak and rinse your dentures in mouthwash for 5 minutes once or twice per day. Time it after brushing and rinsing them thoroughly. The additional mouthwash cleaning helps sanitize dentures and freshens your breath.

  What is the best way to clean partial dentures?

  Always brush your natural teeth first before cleaning partial dentures to avoid transferring bacteria. Remove dentures and carefully brush all surfaces, including metal clasps and connectors. Soak in denture cleaner daily. Rinse after every meal to keep partials clean.

  How can I get rid of denture odor?

  Soak dentures overnight in a cleansing bath. Brush your tongue to remove bacterial buildup that causes odors. Chew sugarless gum to increase saliva flow. See your dentist promptly if odor persists, as it may indicate an ill-fitting denture needing adjustment or fungal infection requiring medication.

  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.