Home Remedies For Cleaning False Teeth - Complete Guide

Caring For Your False Teeth at Home

Having a beautiful, healthy smile is important for both your appearance and self-confidence. However, as we age, our teeth become worn, stained, or lost altogether. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers many solutions for replacing missing teeth, including removable partial or full dentures, bridges, and dental implants.

Dentures and bridges - collectively known as false teeth - allow people to eat, speak, and smile naturally again. However, false teeth require special care to keep them clean, fresh, and functioning properly. With the right home care regimen, your false teeth can look great and last for many years.

Cleaning False Teeth at Home

Daily cleaning is crucial for keeping false teeth free of stains, odors, and bacteria. Food particles and plaque can build up on dentures, leading to bad breath and increased risk for gum disease. Here are some effective methods for cleaning false teeth at home:

• Brush dentures daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaning paste. Gently brush all surfaces of the false teeth.
• Soak dentures for 10-15 minutes per day in denture cleaning solution. These solutions use chemicals to break up plaque and debris.
• Use an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaning tablet. Drop the tablet in water and soak dentures for the time specified on the packaging.
• Clean partial dentures and bridges using a toothbrush and floss to remove food particles and plaque from remaining natural teeth.
• Use a denture brush to scrub the gum-side of dentures to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Rinse dentures thoroughly with clean water after brushing to remove all traces of soap and cleaning products.

Soaking Solutions for False Teeth

Specialized soaking solutions provide a deep, hygienic clean for false teeth. Some popular options include:

• Denture cleaning tablets - Effervescent tablets are dissolved in water and soak dentures for 5-15 minutes. tablets help remove stubborn stains and leave dentures fresh.
• Alkaline peroxide soak - An alkaline peroxide solution chemically breaks down residue and bacteria. Soak 15-30 minutes per day.
• Vinegar - White vinegar is mildly acidic and kills bacteria. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Soak 20-30 minutes per day.
• Mouthwash - Antiseptic mouthwashes make excellent soaking solutions. Use any brand of mouthwash undiluted.
• Baking soda - A basic baking soda soak removes odors and stains. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda per 1 cup of warm water.

Storing False Teeth Properly

How and where you store false teeth plays a big role in keeping them clean and functioning optimally. Follow these dentist-recommended tips for proper false teeth storage:

• Rinse dentures after every meal before storing. Food left on dentures promotes bacterial growth.
• Allow dentures to air dry completely before storing to avoid bacterial growth in moist environments.
• Store loose dentures in water or denture cleaning solution to keep them from warping.
• Use a denture cup with a lid or storage case. This prevents damage and keeps dentures clean.
• Never wrap false teeth in tissue or cloth, as fibers can stick and irritate your gums.
• Be sure partial dentures are securely in place before sleeping to prevent distortion.
• Talk to your dentist before using denture adhesives for prolonged periods, as they can increase risk of infection.

Avoiding Damage to False Teeth

False teeth are prone to chipping, staining, and other damage from improper handling. Follow these tips to help your false teeth last longer:

• Avoid harsh abrasive toothpastes, which can scratch the surface.
• Brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Don't use hot or boiling water, which can warp and distort the shape.
• Take dentures out when sleeping, exercising, and playing contact sports.
• Remove partial dentures and bridges before flossing your remaining teeth.
• Be cautious when eating hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods.
• Don't soak dentures in bleach solutions, as this weakens the materials.
• Handle dentures carefully and over a folded towel to prevent accidental drops.
• Don't try to adjust or repair dentures yourself, as this can damage them. See your dentist for any adjustments needed.

When to See a Dentist

While maintaining false teeth at home is important, regular dental checkups are still essential. See your dentist promptly if you notice any of the following issues:

• Looseness, slipping, or changes in the dentures' fit
• Worn or fractured teeth
• Broken, bent, or damaged parts
• Persistent bad breath or denture odors
• Red, swollen, irritated gums
• White, painful spots in the mouth
• Pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in the mouth
• Changes in your bite alignment or difficulty chewing
• Stains or plaque that don't respond to cleaning

Your dentist can make needed adjustments and repairs to help your false teeth function properly again. Proper at-home care along with regular dental visits can help false teeth look great and last for many years.

Common Questions About Caring For False Teeth

How can I make my false teeth whiter?

You can help remove stains and whiten false teeth by using whitening toothpaste, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or denture whitening kits. Avoid using bleach, which can weaken false teeth. See your dentist for professional false teeth whitening.

Why do my dentures smell bad?

Bad odor in false teeth is usually caused by bacterial growth. Clean dentures twice per day, soak them in mouthwash or cleaning solution, and be sure to rinse thoroughly after meals. Persistent bad smells may indicate an underlying health issue.

How do I get rid of plaque on my dentures?

Brush dentures twice per day with a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Soak them daily in denture cleaning solution. Use an old toothbrush or denture brush to scrub the gum-side of dentures.

Can I sleep with my dentures in?

It's generally recommended to remove dentures at night to give your gums a rest. Sleeping with dentures can increase the risk of fungal and bacterial growth. Talk to your dentist about proper overnight denture care.

How do I stop my dentures from clicking?

If your dentures are clicking, they likely need adjustment by your dentist. Do not try to adjust them yourself. Proper realignment by a dentist will stop clicking and improve chewing ability.

How often should dentures be replaced?

With proper care, well-made dentures typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement. See your dentist regularly so they can evaluate when your dentures need replacement due to wear, damage, or changes in fit.

Caring For False Teeth

False teeth allow people to regain their confidence and ability to eat, speak, and smile freely. With diligent at-home cleaning and regular dental checkups, false teeth can look and function like natural teeth for many years. Be gentle, avoid damage, and seek dental care at the first sign of problems to get the most life out of your false teeth.

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.