Loss of teeth can create major problems in anyone’s life. As a solution, many people opt for full or partial dentures. These are the replacements for natural teeth to restore smile and confidence. But just like your natural teeth, dentures also need a dedicated daily hygiene routine to keep them clean and prevent denture stomatitis.
If you wear dentures, then know that neglecting them can cause discomfort, bad breath, stubborn stains, or irritated gums. Even if choosing a denture from a reliable clinic can prevent any concerns, you still need to maintain proper hygiene. Click here to learn more about dentures.
The Importance of Daily Denture Cleaning
Even though dentures are not natural teeth, they still need regular cleaning to remove plaque, food particles and buildup of bacteria. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on dentures just like it does on natural teeth. If you neglect it, it can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Bacteria buildup can also cause denture stomatitis. Regular cleaning is important to prevent these problems, maintain your overall oral health and improve your smile.
Best Ways to Clean Your Dentures
Brushing your dentures at least once a day is important for oral hygiene. Here’s how to do it right:
- You’ll need a soft-bristled denture brush, a denture cleaning solution or mild soap, and lukewarm water. Never use toothpaste on your dentures, as it can be abrasive and scratch the surface.
- Before brushing, rinse your dentures with lukewarm water to remove any loose food particles.
- Apply a small amount of cleaning solution or mild soap to the brush.
- Gently brush all surfaces of your dentures, including the chewing surfaces, inner and outer curves and gum areas. Use a circular motion and reach all the nooks and corners.
- After brushing, rinse your dentures thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any cleaning solution or soap residue.
How to Soak Your Dentures
Along with daily brushing, you need to soak your dentures overnight as a part of the daily hygiene routine. Let’s discuss how to do it:
- Use a denture-soaking solution recommended by your dentist. It will help kill bacteria, loosen plaque and tartar buildup, and moisten dentures.
- Soak your dentures for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. The solution will deeply clean your dentures.
- Avoid using household products like bleach or mouthwash. These can damage them and irritate your gums.
Taking Care of Your Denture Case
Your denture case can be a breeding ground for bacteria if you do not clean it regularly. Follow the below tips to keep it clean:
- Rinse your denture case with warm water after removing your dentures,
- Once a week, give your case a more thorough cleaning. Wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Allow it to air dry completely before storing your dentures. A damp case can cause bacterial growth.
Additional Tips to Follow
Brushing and soaking are two important parts of dental hygiene. However, there are some more important factors that you should remember to keep your dentures in good condition.
- Dentures are delicate, so you need to handle them with care to avoid dropping or breaking them.
- Some foods, like hard candy and sticky snacks, can damage dentures. Avoid these foods or cut them into small pieces.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can also check the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments.
- Don’t sleep with your dentures. Unless your dentist specifically instructs you to do so, it’s best to remove your dentures at night and soak them. This allows your gums to rest and reduces the risk of irritation.
Closing Thoughts
A proper routine is essential for keeping dentures healthy and hygienic. Taking good care of your dentures will help prevent bacteria from forming on them and get rid of any disease-causing microorganisms. Whenever you take your dentures out of your mouth, soak them in a water-based solution to avoid damage. Always seek professional advice whenever in doubt.
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