Expert Guide to Caring for False Teeth: Cleaning Dentures Properly

Caring for False Teeth: A Complete Guide to Cleaning Dentures Properly

Wearing false teeth or dentures is very common, whether you have partials, full dentures, or implants. Properly caring for false teeth is essential for keeping them clean, fresh, and functioning their best.

False teeth need regular cleaning daily to prevent plaque and tartar buildup leading to stains, odors, and potential health issues in the mouth. Thankfully, some simple best practices make denture care manageable.

Supplies for Cleaning False Teeth

Arm your denture care kit with these recommended cleaning essentials:

• Soft-bristle toothbrush - For scrubbing denture surfaces gently.
• Denture brush - Often has two brush heads for inner and outer cleaning.
• Denture cleaner - Chemical or enzymatic cleaners dissolve stubborn buildup.
• Denture adhesive cream - Secures loose dentures while eating.
• Cool or lukewarm water - Hot water can warp dentures over time.
• Mild liquid dish soap - Helps remove dentin and plaque.
• Denture container - Houses, soaks, and protects dentures when out of the mouth.

Daily Denture Cleaning Routine

Plan to give dentures a thorough scrubbing daily to keep them fresh and comfortable in the mouth. Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Rinse dentures after eating to remove loose food debris before an intensive cleaning.
2. Apply denture cleaner, like Efferdent, Polident, or vinegar water. Soak for duration noted on product, usually 5-10 minutes to loosen buildup.
3. Gently brush all denture surfaces using soft strokes with a designated denture brush and toothpaste, liquid soap, or baking soda.
4. Rinse extremely thoroughly with cool water to eliminate all soap or cleaning residue.
5. Allow dentures to air dry on a paper towel or soak them in water if placing back in the mouth immediately.
6. Store cleaned dentures in their special container overnight, with or without soaking solution.

Spot Scrubbing for Stubborn Denture Plaque

For plaque in hard-to-reach spots like clasp areas or teeth crevices, use an interdental brush, toothpick, or dental water flosser on problem zones after an initial overall brushing.

Over-the-counter enamel-safe cleaning pastes can also help break down stubborn buildup. Apply directly to plaque then brush it away. Repeat spot treatments as needed.

Soaking Dentures Overnight

Immersing cleaned dentures in cool water or an ADA-approved overnight soak solution helps further eliminate stains or lingering odors.

Dissolvable tablet cleaners, like Steradent or Efferdent, use bubbling action to power away deposits and bacteria missed by brushing. Rinse dentures thoroughly before placing back in the mouth in the morning.

Deep Cleaning Dentures Weekly

Over time, microscopic buildup can coat dentures causing irritation. Set a weekly deep cleaning session to tackle this biofilm for fresh, happy gums.

Soak dentures first to loosen plaque, then gently scrub all surfaces with soft nylon brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Rinse extremely well before wearing again.

Natural Home Remedies for Cleaning Dentures

For those wanting to avoid harsh chemicals, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and coconut oil also work to effectively scour away denture gunk leaving them squeaky clean.

Caring for Denture Implants or Partials

The anchored portions of partials and implants with false teeth attached need diligent care to prevent inflammation and complications.

Gently brush fixtures at gumlines using special tools for precision cleaning. Be extremely careful not to scrub tissues. Use dental wax or cushioned grips if brushing causes discomfort.

Storing Dentures Properly

How and where you store dentures plays a big role in keeping them functional and hygienic between wears. Follow these best practices for denture storage and maintenance.

Designate a Denture Storage Container

Designated denture baths, cases, or cups help protect false teeth from damage when out of the mouth. This also circumvents dentures getting misplaced around the house!

Containers should seal tightly or have lids to prevent pets, kids or other factors from interfering and breaking expensive dentures.

Use Denture-Safe Cleaning Tablets

Dropping a Steradent or Polident tablet in storage water makes a bubbling soak solution that prevents fungal or bacterial growth on dentures between uses.

This also conveniently pulls double duty cleaning and storing with one product. Follow guidelines on the package for ideal tablet ratios and water temperature.

Never Wrap Dentures in Tissue

While it may seem protected, wrapping dentures in napkins or paper towels can stick tiny fibers to device surfaces leading to oral irritation. Place on a clean paper towel or in a storage case instead.

Take Dentures Out of Mouths Overnight

Unless advised otherwise by a dentist, always remove dentures or partial plates before sleep. This gives oral tissues ample recovery time from pressure and nighttime grinding habits.

Clean and store devices properly at night. Soaking in fresh solution allows dentures to rehydrate for comfortable insertion again in the morning too.

Avoiding Denture Damage

Dentures are expensive medical appliances custom molded to match patients mouths. With caring maintenance, well-fitted dentures can realistically last 5-7 years or longer.

Being cautious with handling and storage helps prevent costly damage requiring denture repairs or completely new sets much sooner than necessary.

Protect Dentures from Pets

Pets often see dentures as interesting chew toys. Always store dentures completely out of pets reach to avoid cracking, holes, or total breakage requiring replacement.

Handle with Care to Avoid Dropping

As we age, unsteady hands make dropping dentures mid-clean a hazard. Clean over a towel or in a filled sink to cushion against hitting hard counters or floors.

Standing while handling, holding with two hands, or performing cleaning seated may help lower risk of drops leading to fractures or lost teeth requiring same-day denture repair appointments.

Watch Chemical Exposure

While essential for cleaning gunk, soaking solutions can degrade or blanch dentures with excessive exposure. Rinse dentures extremely well after prescribed soaking times.

Certain medications also react with denture materials, so review all medical and cleaning ingredients used with your dentist.

When to Seek Dentist Help

Even with diligent at-home care, dentures sometimes require professional adjustments or maintenanceensure proper fit and function.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

See your denturist or dentist every six months to year to get dentures evaluated. This helps spot issues like compromised integrity early and assesses mouth health.

Theyll professionally clean tartar or stains missed through home care as well. Any small repairs can also be addressed before turning into big problems.

Refits for Loose Dentures

Ill-fitting dentures cause discomfort. If slippage, gum irritation, or speech difficulties develop seek a refitting appointment. Your mouth shape may have changed requiring adjustments.

New denture adhesives or relining procedures might also better adhere loose plates. Discuss options to optimize fit and performance.

Repairs for Damage

Cracks, fractures or broken/lost teeth warrant professional repairs for safety and proper chewing ability. Dont try complicated at-home fixes.

For minimal fees, dentists can often repair small cracks same-day using special bonded composites to fill holes. Damaged base plates or broken clasps require lab work taking around a week or so.

Following smart at-home cleaning and storing methods coupled with routine dental check-ups keeps false teeth in tip-top shape for extended use. Be gentle yet thorough caring for expensive dentures to avoid early damage or replacement.

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.