If you’re like most people, you probably take your teeth for granted. That is until you no longer have them! Losing your teeth can be a devastating blow to your self-esteem, not to mention your ability to eat and speak properly. Dentures are an important tool for people who have lost their teeth, but they require special care to keep them clean and in good condition.
Dentures are essentially false teeth that are mounted on a metal or plastic frame. The frame fits over your gums and is held in place by suction. The false teeth are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, acrylic, or even metal. They can be used to replace all of your teeth (full denture) or just some of them (partial denture).
Types of Dentures
Dentures come in many different types and varieties, each of which offers its own unique set of benefits. Here are some of the most common types of dentures:
Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures are for those with a number of missing teeth! As the name suggests, complete dentures are designed to replace all of your natural teeth. They’re usually used when all of the teeth have been lost or removed, and they can be either temporary or permanent.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They’re designed to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, and they can help to improve chewing function and prevent further tooth loss.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of partial denture that’s supported by dental implants. This makes them more stable and durable than traditional partial dentures, and they can also help to preserve bone density in the jaw.
Steps for Gently Cleaning Dentures
While dentures are a great way to restore the function and appearance of your teeth, they do require some special care. Here are some simple tips for cleaning your dentures:
Electric Teeth
Step 1: Preparation and Supplies
The first step to successfully cleaning your dentures is preparation. You need to gather all of the supplies you will need so that you have everything within reach. You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush, a cup of water, mild dish soap, a towel, and denture cleaner tablets. Once you have all of your supplies, you are ready to begin cleaning your dentures!
Step 2: Start Cleaning
When it comes time to clean your dentures, you’ll want to start by rinsing them off with warm water. This will help remove any food or other debris that may be clinging to them. Next, you’ll need to gather up some gentle cleaning supplies. A soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive cleanser are all you really need. You can find denture-specific cleansers at most drugstores. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too harsh on dentures and may cause them to become scratched.
Once you have your supplies ready, start by wetting your toothbrush and running it over the surface of your dentures. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as this is where plaque and bacteria tend to build up. Rinse your dentures well after brushing, then soak them in the cleaning solution for about 15 minutes. After they’ve had a chance to soak, give them a final rinse and put them back in your mouth.
Step 3: Rinse with Water
After you’ve brushed your dentures, it’s important to rinse them off with water. This will help remove any leftover debris or toothpaste that could be stuck on the dentures. Rinsing with water will also help keep your dentures clean and free of bacteria.
Step 4: Brush with Toothpaste and Soft Bristle Brush
To remove any remaining food particles or plaque, brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gum line and under any protruding wires. You may want to use a denture brush, which is smaller and has softer bristles than a regular toothbrush.
To avoid damaging your dentures, do not use an electric toothbrush. If you do use a manual toothbrush, be careful not to apply too much pressure. After brushing, rinse your dentures well and store them in a safe place until you’re ready to wear them again.
Step 5: Disinfect dentures with a Soaking Solution
When it comes time to disinfect your dentures, you have a few options for soaking solutions. You can purchase a commercial soaking solution from your local drugstore, or you can make your own at home.
If you opt for a commercial soaking solution, be sure to follow the instructions on the package. Most solutions require that you soak your dentures for at least 30 minutes.
If you prefer to make your own soaking solution, you can do so with items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Vinegar and water is a popular homemade soaking solution, and all you need is 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water. Another option is 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 12 parts water. Soak your dentures in either of these solutions for at least 30 minutes.
Once you’ve soaked your dentures, give them a good rinse with cool water before putting them back in your mouth.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your dentures is an important part of dental hygiene and overall good health. Gently cleaning your dentures on a daily basis can help keep them looking great while preventing any bacterial or fungal buildup that could otherwise cause pain and discomfort. While taking the time to properly clean your dentures may seem like a hassle at first, following our five simple steps outlined here will ensure better oral health for many years to come!
You should clean your dentures at least once a day, making sure to remove all food and plaque buildup. You can soak them in a denture cleansing solution overnight to help keep them clean.
There are commercial cleaners available specifically for dentures, or you can try using a toothbrush and toothpaste. Baking soda is also effective at removing stains.
Yes, you should brush your dentures with toothpaste just as you would brush your natural teeth. Be sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damage to the dentures.