Cleaning and Removing Tartar from Dentures at Home
Over time, dentures can accumulate tartar, stains, and bacteria just like natural teeth. Keeping your dentures squeaky clean is important for your oral health and preventing bad breath. Here are some of the most effective methods and home remedies to remove tartar and clean dentures at home.
Signs It's Time to Clean Your Dentures
Look out for these signs that indicate it's time to give your dentures a deep cleaning:
- Visible tartar or calculus buildup
- Staining or discoloration
- Bad breath that persists after brushing
- Puffy, reddened gums when wearing dentures
- More plaque on natural teeth
- Food debris easily gets stuck under dentures
Supplies for Cleaning Dentures at Home
Before getting started, gather these recommended supplies:
- Denture-specific toothbrush or soft toothbrush
- Denture cleaner or mild dish soap
- Denture-soaking solution - overnight soaks
- Denture brush - helps scrub plaque
- Denture adhesive cream - secures loose dentures while cleaning
Tips for Effective Denture Cleaning
Follow these tips for optimal denture cleaning and tartar removal:
- Clean over a sink filled with water or towel to avoid damage if dropped
- Remove dentures and rinse under warm water before brushing
- Use a soft brush and gentle, circular scrubbing motions
- Focus on hard to reach crevices and the denture bases
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap or cleaner
- Soak in denture solution overnight to keep bacteria-free
Daily Denture Care Habits
Caring for dentures properly each day keeps tartar and stains from building up. Follow this daily routine:
- Rinse after eating to remove debris
- Gently brush with a soft denture brush and paste daily
- Use an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner tablet if desired
- Remove at night and soak in cleansing solution overnight
- Rinse dentures thoroughly before inserting in the morning
Whitening Denture Cleansing Tablets
Look for denture cleansing tablets that help remove stains and whiten while also disinfecting. These convenient effervescent tablets bubble and lift away tartar.
Baking Soda for Tartar Removal
Baking soda is mildly abrasive so it can help scrub away built-up tartar and plaque. Mix with warm water to form a paste. Scrub dentures gently with a soft brush and baking soda paste. Rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar Soak for Removing Stains
An overnight vinegar soak can help get rid of tough stains on dentures and polish away plaque buildup. Use equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Soak dentures overnight then brush thoroughly in the morning.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfecting
Hydrogen peroxide can disinfect dentures and kill harmful oral bacteria. Dilute it 50/50 with warm water. Soak dentures for 30 minutes per day to sanitize them.
Coconut Oil to Prevent Stains
Applying a thin layer of coconut oil to dentures can prevent future staining by creating a protective barrier. Use a soft cloth to gently polish your dentures with coconut oil.
Avoiding Damage to Dentures
Take care to avoid these common actions that can damage dentures:
- Using strong cleansers like bleach that can corrode denture materials
- Brushing too vigorously, which can scratch surfaces
- Dropping dentures, which can chip or crack them
- Storing dentures dry, which can cause warping
- Exposing dentures to high heat like boiling water
When to Visit a Dentist about Dentures
See your dentist right away if your dentures:
- Become cracked, chipped or completely broken
- No longer fit properly due to bone loss
- Have a loose fit causing chewing problems
- Have persistent odor or tartar buildup
Regular dentist visits (every 6-12 months) are key for ensuring proper denture fit and function over time.
Home Remedies for Cleaning Dentures
Taking good care of your dentures with proper cleaning keeps them functioning properly and your mouth healthy. Here are some effective home remedies for cleaning false teeth.
Baking Soda
The abrasive texture of baking soda makes it great for scrubbing away stains on dentures. Make a paste with warm water, apply to dentures, let sit briefly, then scrub and rinse.
Vinegar
A vinegar soak can dissolve tartar and disinfect dentures overnight. Use a 50/50 vinegar water solution. Rinse dentures thoroughly before inserting in your mouth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is both an antiseptic and a whitening agent. Dilute some with water, soak dentures for 30 minutes, then brush thoroughly before rinsing.
Coconut Oil
Rub a small amount of coconut oil over your dentures to remove stains and polish them. Coconut oil also creates a protective barrier preventing future stains.
Sodium Bicarbonate Toothpaste
Look for non-whitening toothpaste that contains sodium bicarbonate for a safe, effective daily denture cleaner. Use a soft brush to gently scrub dentures.
Antibacterial Dish Soap
Use a small amount of antibacterial dish soap and warm water for daily cleaning. Avoid harsh dish detergents. Rinse dentures thoroughly after scrubbing.
Mouthwash
Swishing with an antiseptic mouthwash can eliminate bacteria and freshen dentures. Make sure to rinse your dentures with water after removing them before bed.
Denture Brush
Invest in a quality denture brush which has stiff bristles designed specifically to scrub away plaque and tartar from the delicate denture surface.
Denture Cleaning Tablets
Effervescent denture cleaning tablets dissolve and lift away stubborn stains for whiter dentures. They also disinfect and deodorize.
With the help of these simple home remedies, you can keep your dentures clean, stain-free, and fresh. Just be sure to avoid any harsh household cleaners that could potentially damage the denture materials.
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.
Add Comment