As many as 1 in 5 people wear dentures. If you wear dentures, it’s important to clean them well to keep them in good condition and maintain good oral health. However, it’s easy to make mistakes when cleaning dentures.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common denture-cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to clean dentures the right way. By following these tips, you can establish a denture cleaning routine, to keep your dentures clean and in good condition.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are a great solution to replace missing teeth and give you back the confident smile you deserve. Created with acrylic resin, they restore either your upper or lower jaw – even if only one tooth is absent! Dentures are tailored to fit your particular mouth configuration by your dentist for a secure, snug-fitting smile.
If you have experienced tooth loss, dentures can help to restore your ability to chew and speak clearly. Consider dentures as a viable solution if some or all of your teeth are missing. Your dentist can help you determine if dentures are the right choice for you based on your specific needs and oral health.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available to replace missing teeth. These include:
Full Dentures
Complete dentures are ideal for those who have lost all of their teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. This prosthetic device consists of a plastic base that is designed to fit snugly over your gums and artificial teeth permanently attached securely to the base. You can remove full dentures for cleaning and at night.
Partial Dentures
When you have a few missing teeth, partial dentures are your best option. They feature a gum-fitting base and metal structure that holds the false teeth in place. You can also remove partial dentures for cleaning at night. They are held in place by clips that attach to the remaining natural teeth.
Immediate Dentures
These are full or partial dentures made in advance and placed after the removal of the natural teeth. This allows the patient to have teeth while the gum tissue heals, but they may need to be adjusted or replaced once the healing process is complete.
Overdentures
These are dentures that fit over a small number of remaining natural teeth or dental implants. They provide stability and support for the denture and can improve chewing ability.
Fixed Dentures
These are also known as “permanent dentures” and are not removable. They are typically made of dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone and then have a denture attached to them. Fixed dentures provide the most stability and are the closest thing to natural teeth, but they are also the most expensive option.
In general, dentures are used to replace missing teeth and restore function to the mouth, including the ability to chew and speak well. They can also improve the appearance of the smile and the overall shape of the face.
Common Denture Cleaning Mistakes
When cleaning dentures, it’s important to avoid common mistakes. Below are some of the most common denture-cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them
Using Harsh Chemicals like Bleach
It’s not recommended to use harsh chemicals like bleach to clean your dentures. Bleach is a strong cleaning agent that can damage the surface of your dentures and cause them to become discolored. It can also be toxic if ingested, so it’s important to avoid using it on your dentures.
Instead of using harsh chemicals, choose a gentler denture cleaner or a mild dish soap to clean your dentures. These products are designed for cleaning dentures and are less likely to cause damage. To keep your dentures in good condition, it’s important to use products that are safe and gentle on your dentures.
Not Brushing Dentures Daily
It’s important to brush your dentures often to keep them clean and prevent bacteria from building up. If you are not brushing your dentures every day you may experience problems.
Plaque and tartar can build up on your dentures if they are not cleaned often. This can lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and other dental problems.
Dentures can become discolored over time if they are not cleaned often. Plus, if you don’t brush your dentures every day, they may become misshapen or loose due to plaque and tartar buildup.
Using Hot Water
Dentures can become misshapen if they are soaked in hot water. To avoid this, use lukewarm water instead.
Hot water can cause your dentures to change shape, which can make them fit poorly or be uncomfortable to wear. To prevent this from happening, use lukewarm water instead of hot water when cleaning your dentures.
This will help keep your dentures in good shape and ensure that they fit well.
Using Abrasive Toothpaste
Toothpaste with gritty particles can scratch the surface of your dentures and make them more prone to bacteria buildup. Instead, use a denture cleaner or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Abrasive toothpaste can damage the surface of your dentures by scratching them.
This damage can make it easier for bacteria to grow on your dentures, which can lead to infections and other problems.
To avoid this, use a denture cleaner or a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures. These types of cleaners and brushes are less likely to scratch your dentures and can help keep them in good condition.
Not Cleaning well
To keep your mouth healthy and fresh, you should scrub your dentures well and rinse them well. If you do not scrub your dentures often, bacteria and plaque can build up and cause bad breath, gum irritation, and other dental problems. To avoid this, use a denture cleaner or a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub your dentures.
Pay special attention to any areas with visible plaque or tartar, as these areas can be breeding grounds for bacteria. After scrubbing, rinse your dentures well to remove any cleaning solution or soap. By taking the time to scrub your dentures and rinse them well, you can help keep your mouth healthy and fresh.
Not Soaking Overnight
It’s important to soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution to keep them fresh and help prevent them from drying out. Denture cleaning solutions are specially formulated to help kill bacteria and remove stains from your dentures.
Soaking your dentures overnight allows the cleaning solution to penetrate and clean your dentures, which can help them stay fresh and in good condition.
By soaking your dentures overnight, you can help keep them fresh and in good condition. Don’t forget to rinse your dentures well before wearing them again.
Rough Handling
To keep your dentures in good condition, you should handle them with care. Dentures are delicate and are easy to break if not handled the right way. When cleaning or storing your dentures, be sure to hold them gently and handle them with care.
Avoid dropping or pressing on them with force, as this can cause them to crack or break. By handling your dentures with care, you can help ensure that they last longer and continue to fit well.
How To Clean Dentures
Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Add a denture-cleaning solution or a mild dish soap. Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush.
Pay special attention to any visible plaque or tartar. Rinse your dentures well to remove any cleaning solution or soap. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
In the morning, rinse your dentures well before wearing them. By following this denture maintenance routine, you can help keep your dentures clean and in good condition. Be sure to handle your dentures with care to prevent them from breaking or damaging.
Denture Cleaning Supplies
To clean your dentures, you will need a few basic supplies. A sink or basin is helpful to soak and rinse your dentures.
Use lukewarm water to clean your dentures. Hot water can cause them to become misshapen.
You’ll need a denture cleaning solution or mild dish soap to help kill bacteria and remove stains from your dentures.
Get a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush. These tools can help scrub your dentures and remove plaque and tartar.
You’ll also want a dedicated towel or cloth for your dentures. You will need something to dry your dentures after cleaning them.
With these supplies on hand, you can clean your dentures and keep them in good condition. Don’t forget to rinse your dentures well after cleaning to remove any cleaning solution or soap.
Taking care of your dentures is important for maintaining good oral health and ensuring that your dentures fit well and last as long as possible. By following a regular cleaning routine and using the right cleaning supplies, you can help keep your dentures clean and in good condition
Get Dentures Online
If you need new dentures or have any questions about denture care, consider reaching out to Denture Rescue. Founded over 40 years ago by Dr. Jaffe DDS, Denture Rescue is a trusted provider of affordable dentures. You can order dentures online from Denture Rescue for a fraction of the cost of regular dentures, and a payment plan is available.
When you order, you’ll use a free dental impression kit sent to you by Denture Rescue to get started. Order now to restore your oral health. And remember these common denture-cleaning mistakes when you’ve received your new smile!
Purchase full dentures online.
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