How To Best Clean Dentures

What are the best ways to clean dentures?  In America, 32 million people have dentures out of the 36 million who are considered “edentulous” or “without any teeth.”  If you’ve recently received dentures, you understand the value of keeping them in tip-top shape. If you have dentures, you know the importance of keeping them clean.  Dentures can range anywhere from 1,200 to 4,000 dollars and beyond. The cost of your dentures, the value of having your smile and teeth looking great, and also reducing the risk of infections in your mouth should be the driving forces of keeping your dentures clean. 

We, at Falcon Dental Care believe that everyone deserves a great and healthy smile, which is why we have created some helpful tips and tricks to keeping your dentures clean and your mouth healthy 24/7, at home and on the go! 

Why it is Important to Keep Your Dentures Clean

Did you know that 87% of denture wearers complain of bad breath? This is because food particles can get stuck and can turn rotten. 

Dentures that are not properly cleaned can cause bacteria build up that lead to infections of the mouth, gum sores and breakdown of denture material that will cause them to fit improperly. 

Denture Cleaning Routine

Your clean dentures routine should include ridding the denture of all food particles, removing any paste, gel or glue that you use to hold them in place, brushing them and soaking them in a container of solution to store them and also oral care for your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth! 

If you are missing any of these steps, it is important to include them into your routine. This includes keeping the container you place your dentures in clean and sanitized. That is a commonly overlooked step in the cleaning process. Bacteria can build on any surface and if it is in your container, it can reach your dentures even if you just cleaned them. 

Cleaning Tip 1: Using the Right Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Did you know that toothbrushes and toothpaste for dentures exist? Dentures are more delicate than natural teeth and regular toothbrushes and pastes can be too harsh.  Denture cleaner gels and paste along with a soft bristled denture brush will keep your dentures clean without risks of scratching or damaging them. 

It is important to use warm water – not hot – and to avoid using baking soda, vinegar and some types of soap. A mild hand soap is okay, but denture cleanser is preferable.  Using products that are too  harsh can scratch your dentures and bacteria can hide and build up in those scratches, no matter how small.  

Ask your dentist if they have any samples of brushes or cleaner you can try to clean dentures when you are at your bi-yearly check up! People with dentures should still see their dentists every 6 months to ensure proper fit and that you have no oral health issues!  If you are looking for a new dentist office, search “family dentistry near me” to see if we are within driving distance! We are happy to provide expert advice and guidance about your dentures. 

Cleaning Tip 2: Rinse and Soak!

After brushing your clean dentures, rinse them with warm water and place them on a clean towel next to your sink. You will then get your container that they will stay in overnight and clean it with a mild soap and warm water. Cleaning your container will ensure that nothing has gotten into it since your dentures were last in there and ridding it of any lingering bacteria. 

Keeping your clean dentures moist in warm water will keep them from drying out and losing shape. You can also soak them in denture tabs which is a fizzy cleaning solution that can help loosen any hidden stuck on food or particles that can grow bacteria. 

If you’re using a denture tab, make sure to read the directions. Some tabs should only be used for a few minutes and some can be used overnight while your dentures soak. 

Cleaning Tip 3: Rinse and Repeat!

A phrase commonly associated with washing your hair can be applied to clean dentures and oral care.  

Now that your dentures are clean and safely put away for the evening, it’s time to focus on your oral care. If you have partials, you can brush your teeth with a separate toothbrush and your regular toothpaste. Flossing any natural teeth and gargling with a mouthwash should also be included in your nightly routine. This ensures that there is no food, denture paste or gel, or bacteria lingering behind. 

Cleaning your mouth will help keep it hydrated as well. Dry mouth and dehydration of teeth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain. Our last article,  “How To Rehydrate Teeth After Cleaning” can give you helpful insight to why teeth become dehydrated and the importance of keeping them hydrated. 

Cleaning Tip 4: Morning Routine

When you’re ready to place your clean dentures back into your mouth, using clean hands, rinse them in warm water. You are now ready to add your attachment paste or gel and place them into your mouth. 

If you like to gargle with mouthwash or water, do this before you put your dentures in to make sure you don’t choke or swallow them. 

Even though you wear dentures, you can still have that “just brushed” clean feeling.  With your soft bristled toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste you can brush your teeth and feel the tingly sensation of a freshly clean dentures in your mouth. 

Bonus Tip: Talk to Your Dentist

Your dentist gave you your new smile and they are there to help you every step of the way. During your check ups, ask them if they have suggestions. Our team at our dental office in Falcon Colorado is always ready to answer questions, even over the phone!  We pride ourselves on being a resource and guiding hand for our patients, not just a dentist’s office. Take a look at our falcon dental reviews and see if you relate to any of our patients stories and how we can help you like we helped them!