A Guide to Properly Cleaning Removable Partial Dentures

A Guide to Properly Cleaning Removable Partial Dentures

Taking good care of your removable partial dentures is essential not only to keep them looking their best, but also to maximize their longevity and prevent issues like stains, bacteria buildup, and permanent damage. While professional cleanings by your dentist twice a year are crucial, you also need an effective at-home cleaning routine. Read on to learn best practices for cleaning partial dentures safely and correctly.

Understand Denture Materials

Modern removable partial dentures primarily consist of acrylic resin bases housing replacement teeth composed from porcelain, composite resin, or a combo. The gum-covered metal framework anchoring the appliance can be chrome-cobalt or surgical stainless steel:

• Acrylic resin - Durable yet somewhat porous plastic
• Porcelain - Glass-like ceramic material
• Resin - Plastic blended from various compounds

Knowing these materials helps select suitable cleaning solutions that won't damage the denture.

Avoid Harsh Household Cleaners

It may be tempting to use potent multi-purpose cleansers, strong whiteners, or abrasive tools around the home to scrub stubborn dental appliance stains. However, chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, alcohol, and acids can degrade or etch delicate surfaces over time. Scouring pads also risk eroding the carefully crafted anatomy.

Daily Cleaning Regimen

Establishing a consistent daily cleaning protocol for your removable partial dentures is key to preventing excessive buildup between deeper maintenance sessions. Target these areas daily:

The Basics - Soap and Water

Gently wash dentures after each meal before reinserting them. Use mild dish soap and lukewarm (not hot) water. Thoroughly scrub inside, outside, and crevices with a very soft small-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to the metal components prone to plaque adhesion. Rinse extremely well to avoid remaining soap residue.

Soak in Cleanser

After brushing, immerse and soak dentures for 20-30 minutes in an ADA-approved ultrasonic or enzyme-activated soaking solution formulated for dentures and retainers. These solutions penetrate and dissolve residue, destroy odor-causing bacteria, and de-stain without harming materials. Cool water prevents warping.

Don't Forget the Mouth

Always brush natural teeth and gums thoroughly before reinserting cleaned dentures to avoid transferring lingering bacteria or food debris into the mouth. This also helps stimulate healthy circulation.

Overnight Storage

Used dentures should not remain in the mouth while sleeping. Place cleaned dentures into covered soaking solution overnight or water alone to avoid warping. Storing improperly risks misshapen distortion or fungal infection in crevices.

Weekly Deep Cleaning Appointments

In addition to diligent daily care, dedicating more time weekly to a comprehensive deep clean restores partial dentures to maximum freshness. About once per week, set aside 30-60 minutes for intensive cleaning following this multi-step process:

Targets All Surface Areas

Methodically brush every outer and inner surface with soap and water first before moving to the next phase. Rotate through different small brushes to access every angle. Inspect under bright light to catch any stubborn spots.

Disinfecting Soak

Next soak dentures for 30+ minutes in an antiseptic mouthguard cleaner solution containing disinfecting agents like sodium hypochlorite or sodium percarbonate. These compounds kill harmful microbes missed by regular pastes or washes.

Remove Deposits

If any hard or sticky deposits persist, gently massage these spots with a soft toothbrush soaked in half strength white vinegar or sodium bicarbonate dissolved in warm water to help dissolve residual buildup.

Whitening Paste or Gel

For cosmetic staining on natural or replacement teeth, apply a specialty whitening paste or gel specifically designed for dentures and avoid getting onto gum tissue. Leave on teeth only according to package instructions. Rinse paste thoroughly.

Leave Hydrated Overnight

Finally, saturate your partial denture by soaking it overnight in pure distilled water so materials rehydrate and realign properly.

When to Avoid At-Home Cleaning

However, there are certain situations where do-it-yourself cleaning routines could inadvertently cause damage. Avoid cleaning partial dentures yourself if:

Any Visible Cracks

Cracks compromise structural integrity. Inserting/removing and brushing raises risk crack propagation. Leave in unless eating until visiting your dentist for evaluation and repair.

Loose Fit or Broken Components

Ill-fitting or broken parts indicate mechanical defects needing adjustment or replacement. Attempting insertion risks swallowing or aspiration. Seek professional repair from your prosthodontist.

Warping or Misshapen

Noticeable distortion indicates ill-fitting, injury during sports, or over-drying. Immediately schedule realignment appointment with your dentist and cease wearing to slow further damage.

Other Pain or Damage

Unusual pain when wearing, rubbing sores anywhere inside mouth tissue, or sudden damage all likewise warrant urgent professional inspection to determine required adjustments or refitting.

When to Visit Your Dentist

While attentive at-home care preserves your partial dentures well between visits, biannual cleanings and checkups with your dentist also remain vital for optimum denture and oral health. Seek professional attention if experiencing:

Tartar or Plaque Buildup

Hardened calculus deposits that at-home care cannot remove. Your dentist professionally removes encrusted tartar and plaque to fully decontaminate appliance and mouth surfaces.

New Sensitivities or Sore Spots

New rubbing, pinching discomfort indicates positional shifting. Your dentist readjusts fit alignment and may improve cushioning to alleviate irritation.

Looseness Issues

Slipping, clicking, or movement mid-chew signifies lost retention from gum changes. Dentists reseat or reline the appliance for tighter bonding and stability.

With attentive daily cleaning care plus regularly scheduled professional maintenance every six months, your removable partial dentures can deliver comfortable, functional longevity for years of worry-free service life.

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.