Getting dentures can be a real game-changer. They help you eat, talk, and smile with confidence. But just like natural teeth, dentures need looking after. And it’s not just about keeping them sparkling – proper denture cleaning is super important for your health too!
In this blog, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about keeping your dentures fresh and healthy. We’ll use really easy language, so you’ll understand it all, even if you’re new to dentures.
So, let’s start!
Why Proper Denture Cleaning is Important
Think of your dentures like your natural teeth. Even though they’re not real, all sorts of tiny things can stick to them – food bits, bacteria, and even a type of film called plaque. If you don’t clean your dentures properly, a few not-so-great things can happen:
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Just like with natural teeth, bacteria building up on your dentures can cause really bad breath. No one wants that!
- Gum Problems: If food and bacteria sit on your dentures, they can irritate your gums. This can lead to red, swollen, or even painful gums. This is called “denture stomatitis”, and it’s pretty common but easily avoidable with good cleaning.
- Fungal Infections: One common fungal infection is thrush. It can appear in your mouth and cause soreness. Poorly cleaned dentures can be a breeding ground for this.
- Stains: Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your dentures over time, making them look dull and discoloured. Regular cleaning helps keep them looking bright.
- Denture Damage: Food particles and plaque can actually lead to tiny scratches on your dentures. Over time, these scratches can become bigger problems and even make your dentures less comfortable.
- Overall Health: Believe it or not, the health of your mouth can affect your whole body. Keeping your dentures clean helps keep your mouth healthy, which in turn contributes to your overall well-being.
So, as you can see, it’s not just about appearances. Proper denture cleaning is key for comfort, health, and a happy smile!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dentures
Ready to get cleaning? It’s easier than you think! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
What You’ll Need
- A soft-bristled toothbrush (a special denture brush is even better)
- Denture cleaning solution (tablets or liquid, designed for dentures) OR mild hand soap/dishwashing liquid (unscented)
- A basin or towel to catch your dentures if they slip
The Cleaning Process
- Rinse Your Mouth: Before you take your dentures out, give your mouth a good rinse with water. This helps clear away any loose food particles.
- Take Your Dentures Out: Gently remove your dentures from your mouth. Be careful not to drop them.
- Hold Them Over a Basin of Water or a Towel: This is a really important step! If you accidentally drop your dentures while cleaning them, they could break. Filling your basin with water or placing a folded towel in it will cushion the fall.
- Rinse Under Running Water: Hold each denture under cool or lukewarm running water. This helps to wash away any loose food bits. Don’t use hot water, as it can warp your dentures.
- Brush Them Gently:
- Apply a small amount of denture cleaning solution, mild hand soap, or unscented dishwashing liquid to your denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Gently brush all surfaces of your dentures. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, including the parts that touch your gums.
- Be thorough but gentle. You don’t need to scrub hard – a gentle brushing is enough to remove plaque and food.
- Rinse the brush frequently to remove debris.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once you’ve brushed all surfaces, rinse your dentures very thoroughly under cool or lukewarm running water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution or soap. You don’t want to put soapy dentures back in your mouth!
- Clean Your Gums and Tongue: This is super important! Even though you have dentures, your gums and tongue still need cleaning. Use a soft, wet cloth or a soft toothbrush to gently clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. This removes bacteria and keeps your mouth healthy.
- Reinsert or Store: Once your dentures are clean and your mouth is clean, you can put your dentures back in (if it’s daytime) or prepare them for overnight storage.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Dentures
Just as there are things you should do, there are things you should NOT do when cleaning your dentures. Avoiding these common mistakes will help protect your dentures and your oral health:
- Don’t Use Hot Water: Hot water can cause your dentures to warp or change shape. This can make them uncomfortable and ill-fitting, and in some cases, ruin them completely. Always use cool or lukewarm water.
- Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners: Regular toothpastes, especially those designed for whitening, can be too abrasive for dentures. They can scratch the surface of your dentures, creating tiny grooves where bacteria can hide and making them more prone to staining. Avoid bleach, harsh household cleaners, or anything that isn’t specifically made for dentures.
- Don’t Use Stiff-Bristled Brushes: A stiff brush can also scratch your dentures. Always opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush or, even better, a brush specifically designed for dentures.
- Don’t Scrub Too Hard: Gentleness is key. You don’t need to apply a lot of force to clean your dentures effectively.
- Don’t Boil Your Dentures: Never, ever boil your dentures. This will definitely cause them to warp and become unusable.
- Don’t Use Bleach Directly: While some denture cleaning solutions contain mild bleaches, applying undiluted household bleach directly to your dentures can damage them and even make them weaker. It can also discolour the pink parts of your dentures.
How to Store Your Dentures Properly
Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning. It helps keep your dentures safe and in good condition.
- Keep Them Wet: Dentures, especially acrylic ones, need to stay moist to keep their shape. If they dry out, they can become brittle and crack or lose their fit.
- Use a Denture Container: A clean, airtight denture container is ideal.
- Soak in Water or Denture Solution: At night, or whenever you take your dentures out for an extended period, immerse them completely in either plain water or a denture cleaning solution (as per the product instructions).
- Change the Solution Daily: If you use a denture cleaning solution, make sure to use a fresh solution every day. Don’t reuse old solution.
- Keep Away From Pets: Dogs, in particular, are known for chewing on dentures! Always store them in a safe place where pets can’t get to them.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t leave your dentures in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, as this can also cause damage.
Cleaning Dentures at Night: Best Practices
Many people remove their dentures at night to give their gums a rest and to clean their dentures thoroughly. This is a highly recommended practice for good oral hygiene and comfort.
- Remove and Clean: Before bed, remove your dentures and follow the step-by-step cleaning guide mentioned earlier.
- Soak Overnight: After cleaning, place your dentures in a denture container filled with water or a recommended denture cleaning solution. This keeps them moist and allows the cleaning solution to work its magic.
- Clean Your Mouth: Don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft cloth or brush before going to sleep. This removes any accumulated bacteria and promotes healthy oral tissues.
- Rinse Before Reinserting: In the morning, before putting your dentures back in, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any lingering cleaning solution.
Signs That Your Dentures Need Professional Cleaning
While daily cleaning is essential, sometimes your dentures might need a little extra help from a professional. Here are some signs that it might be time for a professional clean:
- Persistent Stains: If you’ve been cleaning your dentures regularly but still have stubborn stains that won’t come off, your dentist or dental prosthetist can professionally clean them.
- Unpleasant Odour: If your dentures consistently have an unpleasant smell even after cleaning, it could indicate a buildup of bacteria that’s harder to remove at home.
- Rough or Gritty Feel: If the surface of your dentures starts to feel rough or gritty, it might be due to a buildup of calculus (hardened plaque), which needs professional removal.
- Changes in Fit: While not directly related to cleaning, sometimes a buildup on your dentures can affect their fit. If your dentures suddenly feel uncomfortable or loose, it’s worth getting them checked.
- You Haven’t Had Them Professionally Cleaned in a While: Just like natural teeth, dentures benefit from regular professional checks and cleans to ensure they’re in the best possible condition.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dentures for Long-Term Use
Beyond daily cleaning, there are other things you can do to make your dentures last longer and stay comfortable:
- Handle With Care: Dentures are strong, but they can break if dropped or handled roughly. Always be gentle when taking them out, putting them in, and cleaning them.
- Be Mindful of What You Eat: While dentures allow you to eat many foods, very hard or sticky foods can sometimes dislodge them or put extra strain on them. Cut food into smaller pieces to make chewing easier.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Even if you have full dentures, regular visits to our dentist Williamstown are crucial. Your dentist will check your gums, look for any oral health issues, and examine the fit and condition of your dentures.
- Address Loose Dentures Promptly: If your dentures start to feel loose, don’t ignore it. Loose dentures can cause irritation and sores, making it harder to eat and speak. Your dentist can adjust or reline them for a better fit.
- Don’t Try to Repair Them Yourself: If your dentures crack or break, don’t try to fix them with super glue or other adhesives. This can cause more damage and make them impossible for a professional to repair properly. Always take them to your dentist.
- Keep Your Natural Teeth (If You Have Them) Healthy: If you have partial dentures, it’s even more important to take excellent care of your remaining natural teeth. They support your partial denture and are vital for your overall oral health.
When to Visit Your Dentist for Denture Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your dentist are just as important when you have dentures as they were when you had your natural teeth.
- At least once a year: Even if your dentures feel fine, you should aim for an annual check-up. Your dentist will:
- Examine your gums and mouth for any signs of irritation, sores, infections, or other oral health issues.
- Check the fit of your dentures to ensure they are still comfortable and secure. Your jawbone can change over time, affecting the fit of your dentures.
- Assess the condition of your dentures for wear and tear, cracks, or other damage.
- Perform an oral cancer screening.
- If you experience any issues: Don’t wait for your annual check-up if you have any concerns. See your dentist promptly if you notice:
- Sore spots or discomfort
- Loose dentures
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Any changes in your oral tissues (e.g., lumps, bumps, discolouration)
- Denture breakage or damage
Your local dentist is your best friend when it comes to keeping your dentures and your mouth healthy. They can offer personalised advice and help you with any denture-related problems.
Conclusion
Denture cleaning and care might seem like a lot to remember at first, but once you get into a routine, it becomes second nature. By following these simple tips – brushing daily, soaking overnight, avoiding harsh cleaners, and having regular check-ups – you can keep your dentures fresh, healthy, and looking great for years to come.
Remember, healthy dentures mean a healthy smile and a healthy you!
Questions About Denture Cleaning?
Or if your dentures are causing you discomfort, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your trusted dentist at The Dental Studio Williamstown. We can provide expert advice and ensure your dentures fit perfectly, keeping your mouth healthy.