Dentures require regular cleaning to remove food residue and bacteria that build up on them daily. Keeping your dentures clean is just as important as keeping natural teeth clean. It promotes better oral health, prevents gum disease, and helps keep your breath fresh.
There are a variety of methods and products for cleaning dentures. The best way to clean your dentures depends on a few different factors, such as the type of dentures you have and your lifestyle.
Cleaning Removable Dentures
Cleaning a full arch of removable dentures requires a few steps:
- Remove your dentures and rinse them off.
- Brush the soft tissues of your mouth, including your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft bristled toothbrush.
- Brush your dentures with a special denture brush and denture cleaner. Do not use regular toothpaste because it is too abrasive. Hold them over a towel or a sink filled with water to avoid damage if you drop them.
- If you are going to bed, soak your dentures overnight in water or a denture soaking solution. If not, place them back in your mouth.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth again before putting your dentures back in the next morning. This helps to remove bacteria that would get trapped between your dentures and gums.
Cleaning Partial Dentures
To clean a removable partial denture, the steps are the same as for a full arch of dentures with just a few differences:
- If the partial denture attaches to your existing teeth, be sure to brush your natural teeth as well as your partial dentures.
- If your partial denture has metal pieces that attach it to the existing teeth, be careful to brush those parts without bending the metal.
Cleaning Snap-on Dentures
Snap-on dentures attach to a few dental implants in your jaw and are removable. The steps for cleaning snap-on dentures is essentially the same as removable dentures, with just one difference:
- When you remove your snap-on dentures, be sure to brush the metal abutments of the implants thoroughly as well as your teeth and gums.
Cleaning Fixed Dentures
Fixed dentures are held in place via dental implants or your existing teeth. Fixed is another name for permanent dentures, meaning they can only be removed by your dentist. Caring for implant supported dentures is a bit different from any type of removable dentures.
- Brush your dentures just like you would your teeth with a toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Use a waterpik or other tools that are designed to remove food and plaque from underneath your dentures since fixed dentures can’t be removed every night.
The Importance of Denture Maintenance
There are many reasons why proper care and maintenance of your dentures is important. The first is your oral health. Dentures can easily damage your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth if they are not properly cared for. Bacteria builds up easily in the small cracks and spaces in your dentures and between your dentures and gums that can cause gum disease and other infections.
Taking good care of your dentures will also help them last longer. Dentures are a significant investment that can last a lifetime with proper care. Follow your dentist’s instructions for how to clean your dentures and you may never need to replace them.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dentures?
At the very least, you should clean your dentures every night before you soak them. If you have fixed dentures, brush them twice a day like you would your teeth. Depending on the foods and beverages you consume, it can help to clean your dentures more often throughout the day or after eating certain foods.
Restore Your Smile with Help from Dr. Rajan at Dentistry of Mendham
When you need to have multiple or a full arch of teeth replaced, dentures are an affordable option. There are many types from removable full dentures to partial dentures and even implant supported dentures. All types have their pros and cons, so it is best to discuss your options with your dentist who can make a recommendation for the best option for you. Caring for your dentures is easy with any option, just be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.
Dr. Rajan at Dentistry of Mendham provides a wide range of tooth replacement options to restore your smile. Call 973-543-5700 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with a new, functional smile.