Because dentures are made from a very different material than natural teeth, you need to clean them in a certain way to look after them so they will last you a long time. The acrylic resin that makes up the majority of your false teeth is softer and normal tooth brushes and toothpaste can damage them as a result.
This is why you will have to try to incorporate a whole new routine into your daily cleaning ritual. For dentures, these are the steps you should follow:
The first thing to do in cleaning dentures is to remove them from your mouth and rinse them under running water. Only use warm water for this. The rinsing action will remove some of the loose food particles that have been caught in your false teeth.
To ensure you don’t accidently drop and risk breaking dentures when they are wet, lay a towel around the sink and fill the sink with water. This will cushion them should they slip out of your hands.
2.Clean Your DenturesYou have a few options when it comes to cleaning your false teeth. You can use a manual brush, a denture cleaner or you can use an ultrasonic denture cleaner. A combination of all these will give the best results.
When brushing, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush. The brush should be moist and all surfaces can be brushed gently.
If you use a denture cleaner, which may be in a paste or gel form, be sure to brush it into all spaces between and around the false teeth. Regular toothpaste should be avoided as this is abrasive and can damage your dentures over time.
An ultrasonic denture cleaner is another option that you may want to consider. You place the false teeth into the tank and sound waves vibrate bacteria off of them. Depending on your budget, you can opt for an ultrasonic cleaner that kills bacteria with a germicidal UV light. You can also choose one that has a timer that shuts off after a cleaning cycle.
3. SoakBecause you should not wear your dentures overnight, they will still have to stay moist to prevent them from drying out and cracking. The best way to prevent this from happening is to leave them in a bath.
There are several different kinds of soaking solutions available for this, however if you don’t use one of the specially formulated solutions, ordinary tap water is better than nothing.
4. Rinse Once MoreBefore you place your dentures back in your mouth you should rinse them thoroughly. This will help to remove any tiny bits of food or bacteria that may have remained after cleaning and soaking. It also removes any residue left behind by the soaking solution.
False teeth require regular maintenance just like natural teeth. If you are unable to clean them between meals, once a day at the end of the day should be sufficient. This allows you to soak them overnight in a cleaning solution.
Ultrasonic cleanings should never be used as an alternative to brushing, but can complement brushing when used at least weekly. In addition to cleaning, visit your dentist regularly to ensure your false teeth continue to fit properly.
