Having dentures can make a big difference in your life. They help you eat your favourite foods, speak clearly, and give you a confident smile. But just like your natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned every day. If you don’t clean them, they can cause problems for your mouth and your health.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your dentures sparkling clean and your mouth healthy.
Why is Denture Cleaning Important?
Think of your dentures as a new home for bacteria. Just like plaque builds up on your natural teeth, a film of bacteria and food particles can form on your dentures. This is called plaque. If you don’t remove this plaque, it can lead to some serious issues:
- Bad Breath: The bacteria on your dentures can cause a really unpleasant smell.
- Gum Problems: Plaque can irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and sore. This can lead to a condition called stomatitis, which is an infection of the mouth.
- Stains: Just like natural teeth, dentures can get stained from things like coffee, tea, and red wine. Cleaning them regularly keeps them looking bright and new.
- Damage to Your Dentures: A build-up of bacteria and tartar can make your dentures feel rough and can even damage the material over time.
By cleaning your dentures properly, you’re not just protecting your dentures; you’re protecting your entire mouth and overall health. A good dentist like dentist Berwick would tell you the exact same thing!
How Often Should You Clean Your Dentures?
You should clean your dentures every single day. Think of it as a daily routine, just like brushing your hair or having a shower.
- Rinse After Every Meal: A quick rinse with water after you eat helps to remove loose food particles. This is a simple but very important step.
- Thorough Cleaning Once a Day: At least once a day, you need to give your dentures a proper, thorough cleaning. Many people find it easiest to do this before they go to bed.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Your Dentures
This is the most important part of the guide. Follow these simple steps for the best clean.
Step 1: Get Ready
Fill your sink with water or place a soft towel on the bench. This is a super important tip! If you accidentally drop your dentures while cleaning them, they will land on a soft surface and won’t break. This simple trick can save you a lot of money and a trip to the dentist.
Step 2: Rinse Your Dentures
Hold your dentures under running water. This will wash away any loose food bits that are stuck on them.
Step 3: Brush Your Dentures
Now, you need to brush them properly.
- Use a special denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t use a regular hard toothbrush, as it can scratch the surface of your dentures.
- Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Never use regular toothpaste! Regular toothpaste is too harsh for dentures and can cause tiny scratches. These scratches are the perfect place for bacteria to hide.
- Brush all the surfaces of your dentures gently but thoroughly. Make sure you get the parts that touch your gums and the parts that touch your tongue. Don’t forget the tiny gaps and grooves.
Step 4: Rinse Again
Rinse your dentures thoroughly under running water to wash away all the cleaning solution and any remaining food bits.
Step 5: Clean Your Mouth
Before putting your dentures back in, it’s a great idea to clean your mouth. Use a soft, wet cloth or a very soft toothbrush to gently clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. This removes any plaque and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
Best Denture Cleaning Products
Choosing the right products is key to keeping your dentures safe and clean.
- Denture Brush: These brushes are specially made for dentures. They have a larger, curved head to clean the outer surfaces and a smaller, pointed head to get into the hard-to-reach spots.
- Denture Cleaning Paste or Gel: Look for products specifically labelled for dentures. These are much gentler than regular toothpaste.
- Denture Cleaning Tablets (Soaking Solutions): These are a great way to give your dentures a deep clean. You simply drop a tablet into a glass of water, and it creates a fizzy solution. You soak your dentures in this solution for the time recommended on the packet. These are brilliant for killing bacteria and removing stains. Brands like Polident or Steradent are very popular.
- Mild Soap: In a pinch, you can use a mild hand soap without any added moisturisers or perfumes. However, it’s always better to use a product specifically designed for dentures.
How to Remove Stains from Dentures
Stains can happen, even with the best cleaning routine. If your dentures are looking a bit discoloured, here’s what you can do:
- Denture Soaking Tablets: These are your best friend for stains. Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning tablet solution every day. The active ingredients are very effective at breaking down stubborn stains.
- Professional Cleaning: If the stains just won’t budge, the dentist can help. A dentist like the dentist in Pakenham has special tools and solutions to professionally clean your dentures and get them looking new again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Dentures
It’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not sure what to do. Avoid these common errors to keep your dentures in great condition:
- Using Abrasive Products: As mentioned before, never use regular toothpaste, harsh household cleaners, or bleaches. These can scratch your dentures and weaken the material.
- Using Hot Water: Hot water can warp and change the shape of your dentures. Always use cold or lukewarm water when cleaning and soaking them.
- Ignoring Daily Cleaning: Skipping a day might not seem like a big deal, but it allows bacteria to build up, making it harder to clean the next day.
- Scrubbing Too Hard: Be gentle. Scrubbing too hard can damage the denture material.
How to Care for Dentures Overnight
Giving your gums a rest is super important. You should take your dentures out before you go to sleep.
- Soak Them: Dentures need to be kept moist to keep their shape and prevent them from drying out. Put them in a glass of cold water or a denture soaking solution overnight. This also helps to kill any leftover germs.
- Don’t Use Hot Water: Remember, only use cold or lukewarm water.
- Keep Them Safe: Make sure the container is out of reach of pets and children.
What to Do if Your Dentures Are Damaged
Even with the best care, accidents can happen. If you drop your dentures and they crack or break, here’s what to do:
- Don’t Try to Fix Them Yourself: Using superglue or other household adhesives is a bad idea. They can contain chemicals that are harmful to your mouth, and they won’t provide a proper, lasting fix.
- See The Dentist: The dentist is the expert. They can repair your dentures properly or, if the damage is too bad, help you get new ones. Don’t wait too long to see them. Broken dentures can be uncomfortable and might not fit your mouth properly, which can cause gum irritation.
If you are looking for a dentist, make sure to find one that has a good reputation and can help with denture repairs and advice. Consider going to Woodleigh Waters Dental, one of the trusted dental clinics in Berwick.
Conclusion
Looking after your dentures is a simple but vital part of your daily routine. By cleaning them properly every day, you’ll keep them looking great, your mouth healthy, and your smile confident. Remember to rinse after every meal, do a thorough clean once a day with a special denture brush and cleaning product, and soak them overnight. Avoid harsh products and hot water, and always see a dentist if your dentures are damaged.
A little effort goes a long way in ensuring your dentures last for a long time and continue to bring you joy and comfort.
