Best Toothpaste for Dentures: Cleaning Products, Brushing Tips & Proper Care

Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Dentures

Having a good oral hygiene routine is important for everyone, but especially critical if you wear full or partial dentures. With the right denture care products like toothpastes, cleansers and adhesives, you can keep your false teeth fresh, clean and comfortable.

But what exactly makes an effective denture toothpaste? And does regular toothpaste work just as well? Keep reading to learn how to shop for the best toothpaste for cleaning dentures and maintaining good dental health.

Special Considerations for Caring for Dentures

Dentures require a bit more care and cleaning than real teeth. Some factors to keep in mind include:

• Food and plaque are more likely to stick under and around dentures
• Bacteria build-up occurs faster on resilient materials than tooth enamel
• Ill-fitting dentures cause painful gum irritation and sores
• Dentures materials can stain without proper cleaning

Using denture-specific toothpaste when brushing daily helps address these issues by dislodging clinging particles, killing germs, and polishing away stubborn stains.

Benefits of a Specialized Denture Toothpaste

From a quality perspective, you get what you pay for with toothpaste. Cheap drugstore varieties won't clean and treat dentures nearly as well as premium specialty pastes. Here's why it's worth investing in a high-quality denture toothpaste:

• Cleansing ingredients - Combinations of detergents, alkaline peroxides, enzymes and antimicrobial agents provide superior cleaning power.
• Non-abrasive formulas - Harsh abrasives damage the fit and finish of denture materials over time.
• Deodorizers - Antiseptic properties kill odor-causing oral bacteria.
• Tartar control - Prevents buildup of sticky plaque film.
• Stain removal - Lifts away discoloration gradually over repeated use.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Denture Toothpastes

Not all toothpastes are suitable for cleaning false teeth or dental appliances like retainers, bridges and braces. Here are the top ingredients that make an effective denture paste:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - A detergent and wetting agent that generates lots of foaming action to break down residue.
• Zinc - Boosts tartar control and fights gum disease causing microbes.
• Papain or Bromelain - Enzyme cleaners derived from papaya or pineapple.
• Sodium Bicarbonate - A fine, mild abrasive and deodorizer; also known as baking soda.
• Sodium Perborate - An alkaline peroxide that breaks down buildup and disinfects.
• Fluoride - Hardens enamel and prevents tooth decay in remaining natural teeth.
• Flavorings - Essential oils give toothpastes a minty fresh taste.

Types of Denture-Friendly Toothpastes

Today there are more denture cleansing toothpaste options available over-the-counter than ever before. Common specialty pastes to consider include:

• Adhesive paste - Goes on first to enhance denture glue hold.
• Regular paste - For everyday brushing and upkeep.
• Whitening paste - With bleaching agents to remove set-in stains.
• Sensitivity paste - Rubs smoothly across tender gums.
• Deep cleaning paste - Heavy duty grime fighting formulas.
• Partial denture paste - Designed not to damage nearby gum tissue or natural teeth.

Other Factors for Comparing Denture Toothpaste Brands

With more options on store shelves, deciding the right denture toothpaste for you can get overwhelming. Beyond active ingredients, here are some other considerations for choosing a reputable denture paste brand:

• Recommendations - Ask your dentist, dental hygienist or prosthodontist to suggest preferred products.
• Company reputation - Stick to established oral hygiene brands like Polident, Efferdent, Fixodent, Sea-Bond or Dentu-Creme.
• Cost per use - Calculate comparative value between various package volumes.
• Available formats - Consider if you want a tube paste or pre-mixed soaking solution.
• Sensitivity - Note any problematic ingredients you need to avoid.

Using Toothpaste to Care for Dentures

The best dental care routine combines brushing, immersion soaking, and regular dental visits. Follow these tips on integrating quality toothpaste into denture maintenance:

• Always brush twice per day for two minutes to control plaque.
• Use denture-safe toothbrush with soft nylon bristles set wide apart.
• Apply paste directly to dentures rather than the brush itself.
• Gently brush all denture surfaces - inside, outside and around the teeth.
• Rinse extremely thoroughly after scrubbing to wash off all remaining paste.
• Brush natural teeth too if you have partial dentures.
• Soak overnight in cleaning solution to disinfect.

Signs You Aren't Cleaning Dentures Properly

If you notice any of the following problems, your current denture care regimen likely requires some fine tuning:

• Visible creamy white or greenish plaque clinging to the false teeth or gums
• Whitish tartar deposits around the edges or tooth base
• Yellowish brown staining anywhere on the dental appliance
• Uncomfortable gum soreness, redness or swelling
• Permanent denture teeth stains
• Foul mouth odor even right after cleaning

Don't hesitate to ask your dentist for personalized suggestions if adjusting techniques and products doesn't seem to eliminate these denture cleaning issues.

Caring for Dentures Properly

Maintaining immaculate denture hygiene requires diligence, but pays off in enhanced oral health and self confidence. Invest in a combo system with premium quality brushing paste, soaking solution and storage case to simplify the process.

With the right denture toothpaste and proper daily care, your false teeth can look great, feel comfortable and function optimally for many years of dependable wear.

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.