Toothpaste and Proper Cleaning for False Teeth Care

Caring for Your False Teeth

Having false teeth allows you to eat the foods you love and smile confidently. Like natural teeth, false teeth need proper care and cleaning to keep them looking their best. Using the right denture cleaning products and techniques can help remove stains, bacteria, and odor from your removable appliances.

Why Clean Your Dentures?

Daily cleaning is important for maintaining healthy dentures and gums. Food and drink can leave behind debris, allowing plaque and tartar to build up. Bacteria then lead to stains, bad breath, and increased risk for infection of the gums beneath your false teeth.

Proper cleansing removes these issues and keeps your mouth and appliances feeling fresh. This also avoids more costly dental work later to repair damaged tissue under ill-cared for false teeth.

Options for Cleaning Dentures

You have several choices when it comes to cleaning false teeth. Simple dish soap can work in a pinch. But specialty cleansers tailored for dentures and partial plates tend to be more effective and gentler.

Toothpaste

Toothpastes made for natural teeth often contain abrasives to rid plaque and surface stains. Using these frequently on false teeth may lead to scratching of the appliance over time.

Some toothpastes advertise themselves as denture-safe. These are non-abrasive and contain antimicrobial ingredients to kill odor causing bacteria without damaging or eroding the false teeth.

Denture Cleaning Paste

Cleansers marketed specifically for false teeth tend to come in paste form. These contain mild abrasives along with bleaching agents to gently lift stains without leading to excessive wear.

The chemical sodium percarbonate often acts as the cleaning agent and bleach. Other ingredients like enzymes, polymers, wetting agents, and preservatives give extra deodorizing and antimicrobial properties.

Using a soft bristled brush with small circular motions evenly spreads the pastes contents across the false teeth surface for thorough cleansing.

Denture Cleaning Tablets

Pre-measured cleansing tablets offer an easy denture cleaning solution. Active ingredients tend to be similar to paste cleansers. But pouring these directly into water allows them to dissolve and penetrate all surface areas of the removal appliances.

This eliminates the need to vigorously brush the false teeth. Soaking alone helps lift stains and kill bacteria. Though gentle brushing after soaking may remove more stubborn debris.

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Ultrasonic units use sound waves to create millions of tiny bubbles that dislodge particulates. While expensive upfront, these systems effectively clean all surfaces and crevices in only a few minutes.

They tend to be popular with dentists to sanitize dental tools and appliances like mouthguards. At home versions provide a deep clean for dentures without vigorous brushing.

Vinegar

White vinegar makes a readily available household item for cleaning false teeth and killing germs. Its acidic nature breaks up hard debris while helping whiten stains.

Use several times a week by soaking your dentures for 20-30 minutes. Rinsing with clean water removes lingering vinegar taste that may occur.

Baking Soda

Baking soda functions as a mild abrasive to lift surface stains when used as toothpaste or in solution. Its alkaline properties also help neutralize odors that lead to denture breath when used regularly.

But beware using baking soda too often or vigorously brushing as it may damage the false teeth over time. Gentle circular rubbing tends to be best after soaking in a diluted baking soda solution.

Establishing a Routine

Consistently cleaning false teeth prevents buildup of bacteria for confidence in wearing your appliance. Establish a daily habit each morning or bedtime so it becomes second nature.

Daily Care

Each day, use your chosen denture cleanser as directed then thoroughly rinse under warm running water. Allow your false teeth to air dry on a clean paper towel rather than towel drying to avoid bacteria transfer.

Check for any lingering debris or tartar. Use an interdental brush, toothpick, or dental floss to gently remove. Never use sharp or metal tools that may scratch the delicate material of your removable appliance.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

In addition to daily care, set aside time each week for deep cleaning dentures. Rotate using options like vinegar or baking soda soaks to further disinfect and whiten.

An ultrasonic bath provides excellent weekly cleaning as well. But tablet or paste scrubbing with an old soft bristled toothbrush also lifts hard to remove buildup once each week.

Proper Storage

Never simply place your clean dentures in a tissue or paper towel overnight. Remaining moisture invites rapid bacteria overgrowth.

Investing in an appliance safe like Efferdent or Polident provides proper ventilated storage until placing back in your mouth the next day. This keeps your false teeth fresh, prevents warping the shape over time, and avoids accidental breakage at night.

Regular Dental Visits

Even with diligent at home care, see your dentist for professional cleanings and oral cancer screenings every 6 months. This ensures tissue under the dentures stays healthy and allows adjusting appliances over time.

Alert your dentist of any mouth sores, bleeding or unusual sensations that may indicate improper fit needing adjustment.

Restore Your Smile

Caring for false teeth takes only a few minutes each day but makes a big difference. Use quality cleansers and consistent cleaning techniques for confident, fresh breath smiles.

Visit your dentist regularly even with removable denture use and maintain proper storage when out of the mouth. Establishing excellent appliance hygiene and care allows eating comfortably while showing off your beautiful smile.

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.