Missing teeth are a common oral health issue in older adults, which can cause problems with speaking and chewing. Approximately 47% of Australian adults over 65 wear removable dentures to replace missing teeth and restore their mouth’s functionality.
Dentures consist of an acrylic plate with one or more artificial teeth attached. The plate adheres to the inside of your mouth using suction, while some models also feature clips that attach to connector appliances on the back teeth.
While dentures are an effective way to restore the appearance and function of your smile, it is crucial to know how to clean dentures to avoid plaque and bacterial buildup, which could adversely impact your oral health.
Cleaning your dentures also increases the lifespan of your false teeth. After receiving your dentures from Advanced Dental Care, it’s vital to know how to look after them.
Follow these simple tips for cleaning false teeth to help maintain your dentures.
How to Clean Dentures: Rinse Dentures After Eating
After eating and before brushing your teeth, run cool water over your false teeth to remove any pieces of food and other debris. This quick process helps keep your dentures clean throughout the day and is important when cleaning your dentures before sleeping at night.
How to Clean Dentures: Handle With Care
When cleaning false teeth, it’s essential to handle your dentures with care. Removing your dentures carefully ensures that the support remains intact and helps to prevent loosening any of the teeth.
Before rinsing, place a towel on the countertop to prevent damage if you drop your dentures. Bathroom and kitchen counters are usually made from hard materials like granite and marble, which could chip your dentures if they fall.
During brushing, rinsing, and soaking, make sure to use a gentle touch to avoid damaging any teeth or bending the plastic support straps.
How to Clean Dentures: Clean Your Mouth
Once you have removed your false teeth, clean the rest of your mouth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. In addition to cleaning your dentures twice a day, it’s important to do the same for the rest of your mouth. Gently clean any remaining natural teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth using toothpaste.
This helps prevent your dentures from becoming contaminated when placed back inside your mouth. It also ensures that your oral health is maintained for the rest of your teeth and gums.
How to Clean Dentures: Brush Your Dentures Twice Daily
Maintaining your dentures requires brushing twice a day. Dentists recommend using a special denture cleaning brush and a non-abrasive cleaning agent such as clear liquid soap.
Toothpaste can scratch and wear down the surface of your dentures, making them more challenging to clean. Brush each of the teeth gently to remove plaque and bacteria. Use cool water to rinse away any additional pieces of debris that are dislodged during brushing.
Repeat in the morning and before bed to keep your false teeth clean and in prime condition.
How to Clean Dentures: Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Soaking your dentures overnight is vital for keeping them clean, preventing damage such as warping, and is a pragmatic way to store your false teeth. Soaking your teeth in a denture solution is more effective than water for keeping them clean.
You can make a soaking solution from products already available at home. Many dentists recommend soaking your dentures in full-strength hydrogen peroxide; however, a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar with a teaspoon of baking soda is also effective. There are also ready-made dental cleansers available for purchase in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Soaking time depends on your preferred soaking solution’s recommended use guidelines. For example, cleansers that contain sodium-hypochlorite should only be used for a maximum of ten minutes on your dentures.
Once you have cleaned your false teeth by brushing and soaking them in a solution, you can soak them in regular water overnight if your cleanser doesn’t recommend prolonged exposure.
Restore Your Smile With Advanced Dental Care
Maintaining the quality of your dentures is vital for ensuring their longevity. Regular dental check-ups are essential as your dentist can advise you on cleaning equipment, solutions, and techniques. Your dentist can also check your jawbone for tissue resorption, causing your dentures to become loose. If your dentures are loose, damaged, or worn down, they need to be relined or replaced.
Contact Advanced Dental Care today on (02) 6188 7103 to book an appointment and let us help you maintain your dentures and your oral health.
References
Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2012
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-dental-care-2012-key-facts-figures/contents/summary
Toothpaste versus soap? What’s best to brush dentures with?
https://hellocare.com.au/dentures-time-to-throw-out-the-toothpaste-not-so-fast/
Dentures
https://www.teeth.org.au/dentures
How to Clean and Safely Store Dentures
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/cleaning-dentures#cleaning-dentures
Homemade Denture Cleaners
https://healthfully.com/homemade-denture-cleaners-5268597.html
