Effective Home Remedies to Remove Stubborn Hard Plaque on Dentures

Understanding Denture Plaque Buildup

Unlike natural teeth, dentures lack blood supply and nerves, making them prone to plaque accumulation from oral bacteria. Food particles easily stick to dentures, calcifying into stubborn hard plaque and tartar.

Causes of Denture Plaque

Lacking salivary enzymes and natural cleaning from the tongue, cheeks, and saliva flow, dentures provide the perfect storm for plaque growth. Bacteria rapidly multiply on denture surfaces, forming a sticky biofilm.

Poor denture cleaning technique, wearing dentures constantly, high-sugar diets, dry mouth conditions, and grinding or clenching dentures all enable plaque and tartar buildup.

Dangers of Denture Plaque

Denture plaque harbors pathogens linked to systemic illness, including respiratory infections like pneumonia, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised people. Denture plaque also causes oral thrush infections and foul breath.

Best Methods to Remove Hard Denture Plaque

Daily denture cleaning is crucial, but hard, stubborn plaque still develops, requiring thorough removal to avoid health issues. Learn the most effective evidence-based home remedies for eliminating denture plaque.

Baking Soda

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate works wonders to dismantle hardened plaque thanks to mildly abrasive and alkalizing properties. Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. With gentle circular motions, scrub plaque away, then rinse.

White Vinegar

Acidic white vinegar effortlessly dissolves calcium deposits and denture film. Add equal parts warm water and vinegar to a bowl or jar large enough to hold dentures. Soak 10-30 minutes before scrubbing away softened plaque with a soft brush.

Mouthwash Soak

Antiseptic, plaque-fighting mouthwashes enhance denture soaks. Choose a mouthwash without alcohol like cetylpyridinium chloride brands which wont degrade denture materials. Add half mouthwash, half warm water to a bowl and soak dentures up to 30 minutes before scrubbing.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide solutions work similar to mouthwash, killing germs, whitening dentures, and helping loosen plaque buildup with oxygen bubbles. Mix equal hydrogen peroxide and warm water. After brushing dentures, swish the solution vigorously for one minute before rinsing.

Manual Removal Methods

Some stubborn plaque requires manual scrubbing using effective cleaning tools. Note acidic cleansers weaken dentures with prolonged use so limit vinegar or peroxide contact time.

Denture Brush

A soft denture brush with angled handle provides the best leverage and plaque removal ability without damaging dentures. Unlike regular brushes, denture versions have two levels of soft bristles to thoroughly clean all crevices as well as denture surfaces.

Dental Pick

For tough tartar in hard-to-reach spots, a dental pick helps scrape away buildup. Carefully insert the tip under plaque at the gumlines or between teeth ridges then scale up and down without scratching denture material. Finish by scrubbing the loosened plaque away.

Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes containing gentle polishing agents like silica effectively scrub away clingy plaque and stains too stubborn for soaking alone, leaving dentures brighter. Use toothpaste containing fluoride unless you have allergy concerns.

Maintenance Between Denture Cleanings

While thorough cleanings remove existing denture plaque, practice daily care and smart habits to prevent rapid reaccumulation.

Daily Brushing

Make brushing dentures twice daily a habit to inhibit plaque production. Use a nonabrasive cleanser unless dentures have heavy soiling requiring occasional whitening toothpaste.

Diligent Rinsing

After eating, carefully remove all food debris from dentures then thoroughly rinse under running water. This instantly sweeps away 50% of clinging plaque to hinder calcification before daily brushing.

Proper Denture Storage

Always store cleaned dentures in water overnight or soak solution instead of letting them dry out. Keeping dentures moist impedes microbial growth and plaque adhesion over hours of non-wear.

Regular Dental Visits

See your dentist every six months for professional cleaning of any persistent tartar plus evaluation of denture fit and oral tissue health to ensure your home care regimen is optimized for healthy denture wear.

When to Seek Dental Help

For denture wearers diligently implementing cleaning best practices at home but still dealing with excess plaque issues between visits, a dental consultation could provide helpful troubleshooting insight.

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.