How to Remove Plaque from False Teeth: Cleaning Tips for Dentures

Understanding Plaque Buildup on False Teeth

Wearing false teeth or dentures is very common, with around 37 million Americans having full or partial dentures. Like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque - a sticky film made up of bacteria, food debris, saliva, and mucus.

Plaque buildup on false teeth is unhealthy for a few reasons:

• It can lead to bad breath
• It causes stains and discoloration
• It irritates gums
• It harbors bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease

That's why it's important to regularly remove plaque from your dentures. With some simple cleaning methods, you can keep your false teeth fresh, clean and plaque-free.

Daily Cleaning of Dentures

You should clean your dentures at least once a day to prevent plaque buildup. Here are some quick daily cleaning tips:

Rinse Under Water

After taking your dentures out, give them a thorough rinse under running water. This helps wash away any loose food particles and debris.

Brush With a Denture Toothbrush

Gently brush all surfaces of the dentures with a soft denture toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaning paste. This helps remove plaque and other deposits that simple rinsing may have missed.

Soak in Denture Cleaner

Soak your dentures for 10-15 minutes in a denture cleaning solution. Look for one that contains an effervescent tablet or alkaline peroxides to really break down plaque and kill bacteria.

Rinse Again Before Putting Back In

Give your dentures one final rinse before popping them back into your mouth, to wash away any loosened plaque and cleaning solution residue.

Deep Cleaning Dentures

In addition to daily cleaning, dentures need occasional deep cleaning to keep them fresh and plaque-free. Here are some simple methods to deep clean your false teeth:

Baking Soda

Make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to all surfaces of the dentures and let it sit for 5 minutes. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that breaks down plaque, stains and odors.

Vinegar

Soak dentures for 30 minutes in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar is acidic, which dissolves mineral deposits and kills bacteria.

Denture Cleaning Tablets

Use an effervescent denture cleaning tablet. These tablets bubble and fizz, lifting away stubborn plaque and buildup as they work.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

Invest in an ultrasonic denture cleaner, which uses sound waves to create millions of tiny cleansing bubbles that blast away plaque.

Tips for Keeping Dentures Plaque-Free

Practicing good denture hygiene is the best way to prevent plaque buildup. Here are some helpful tips:

• Clean your mouth and natural teeth before inserting dentures, to prevent transferring bacteria.
• Remove and thoroughly clean dentures after each meal.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently scrub dentures.
• Soak and rinse dentures after cleaning to wash away loosened plaque.
• Clean your dentures over a sink filled with water or a towel to avoid breakage.
• Handle dentures carefully while cleaning to avoid chipping or cracking.
• Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth daily to minimize bacteria.
• See your dentist regularly for professional denture cleanings.

Products to Remove Plaque From Dentures

Certain products can really help remove stubborn plaque that accumulates on false teeth. Here are some top products for cleaning dentures:

Polident Denture Cleanser Tablets

These popular effervescent tablets dissolve stuck-on plaque as they bubble and fizz. They kill 99% of odor-causing bacteria.

Efferdent Denture Cleanser Soaking Solution

This alkaline peroxide solution bubbles away tough stains for fresher, brighter dentures.

Fixodent Denture Bath Cleaner

Just dilute this concentrated cleaner and soak dentures to remove plaque and disinfect.

Steradent Fresh Cleaning Tablets

With triple minty flavor, these tablets tackle tough plaque and leave dentures minty fresh.

iBrite Denture Cleaning System

This kit contains a UV light, foam cleaner and carrying case for an incredibly deep clean.

When to See a Dentist About Denture Plaque

While home cleaning can tackle most denture plaque, sometimes professional help is needed. See your dentist promptly if you notice:

• Hardened tartar or calculus on dentures that won't brush away
• White, gray or black spots or growths on gums
• Red, swollen, bleeding or irritated gums
• Loose dentures that don't fit right anymore
• Foul odor and persistent bad breath
• Change in denture fit
• Broken, cracked or damaged dentures

The dentist has specialized tools to thoroughly remove hardened plaque and calculus from dentures. They can also identify any gum infections and refit loose dentures.

Preventing Plaque Buildup on False Teeth

With diligent at-home care and regular dental visits, you can avoid excessive plaque buildup on your dentures. Here are some prevention tips:

• Brush gums, tongue and palate every morning before inserting dentures.
• Remove and thoroughly clean dentures after each meal.
• Floss and brush any remaining natural teeth at least twice a day.
• Avoid sticky, sugary foods that cling to dentures.
• Use an antimicrobial denture cleaner daily.
• Schedule professional cleanings every 6 months.
• Have dentures adjusted or realigned if they become loose.
• Rinse mouth with water after each meal.

With proper daily and weekly cleaning habits, your dentures can stay plaque-free for optimal oral health.

FAQs About Denture Plaque

How can I clean plaque off my dentures at home?

Brush dentures daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive paste. Regularly soak in denture cleaner tablets or solution. Use baking soda, vinegar or ultrasonic cleaners to tackle stubborn buildup. Always rinse dentures thoroughly before and after cleaning.

Why is it important to clean plaque off dentures?

Plaque on dentures can lead to stains, bad breath, and gum irritation. It also harbors harmful bacteria that can cause infection. Keeping dentures plaque-free is critical for oral hygiene.

How often should you clean false teeth?

Dentures should be cleaned daily. Quick cleaning after each meal by brushing, rinsing and soaking. Do a thorough deep cleaning 1-2 times per week with baking soda, vinegar, tablets or ultrasonic devices.

Can I use toothpaste on my dentures?

Yes, but avoid whitening toothpastes with abrasive particles that could scratch dentures. Use a non-abrasive paste designed specifically for cleaning dentures.

What is the best thing for cleaning false teeth?

Effervescent denture cleaning tablets that fizz and bubble away plaque, stains and bacteria are highly effective. Denture-specific toothbrushes, solutions and ultrasonic devices also clean dentures extremely well.

Keeping your false teeth free of plaque takes diligence. But with the right cleaning techniques and products, your dentures can stay fresh. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral health checkups.

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.