What’s the Best Way to Clean My Dentures?
Dentures need as much, if not more, care than real teeth.
Not paying enough attention to your denture appliances could result in bacteria build ups and gum infections. To prevent these unwanted issues, you want to keep your dentures in good condition. However, this doesn’t have to leave you in the red.
Why Denture Cleaning is Important
You can’t ignore your new teeth just because they are made from a new synthetic material! Dentures, just like natural teeth, demand consistent and thorough cleaning to maintain their appearance, strength, and longevity. The last thing you want is to have to get another new set of teeth! Below are the two biggest reasons why denture cleaning is important.
Cleaning Rests Your Gums
Wearing dentures constantly without rest or cleaning will damage your gums. Your gums are one of the oral elements that support your gums and keep them sturdy. Cleaning your dentures and leaving them out overnight will give your gums the rest they need to keep your body and dentures in top shape.
Bacteria Buildup Harms Teeth
Bacteria can build up on the surface of your denture teeth easier than you may expect. This bacteria, if left to fester, will eventually pose health risks. Furthermore, your ability to produce anti-bacterial saliva diminishes as you age, which will speed up the growth of bacteria.
Denture Cleaning: Steps
Did you know that synthetic teeth also get coated with plaque?
That plaque could harden and result in an even more fertile breeding ground for bacteria. In order to extend the life of your dentures, be sure to maintain good oral health.
All you have to do is wash your mouth and dentures properly. Below are the steps you should be following:
1. Get Ready for Cleaning
Dentures are not as strong as natural teeth.
Therefore, they can chip or break if you drop them. Whenever you are cleaning your appliances, be sure to place a towel in the bottom of the sink and fill it with water.
This will help prevent potential damage if you happen to drop them.
2. Take Your Dentures Off
Although many people rely on denture adhesive to prevent slipping, most dentists and denturists in Ottawa believe that continued use can lead to buildup between gum and dentures.
This can make bone and gums shrink. If you are a fan of denture adhesive and struggle to remove your dentures, fill your mouth with warm water and wait for them to loosen.
Once you have taken your dentures off, make sure you get rid of all the adhesive. All you have to do is brush your mouth with warm water and toothpaste.
When it comes to cleaning dentures, drop them into icy water for the adhesive to harden. Any remaining adhesive should be plucked off.
3. Remove Debris From Dentures
Soak your dentures in the recommended solution, and brush them consistently.
This procedure will not only clean them, but help remove stains and hardened plaque.
4. Disinfect Your Dentures
Brushing helps you clean your appliances, but it won’t disinfect them.
Acrylic dentures are porous, and, as a result, can be home to infectious organisms.
In order to prevent your dentures from being a breeding ground for bacteria, you want to disinfect them properly.
For the best results, use only recommended solutions and in the suggested amounts.
However, regardless of the dilution ratio, you should always keep an eye on partial dentures, as the metal components may blacken or even corrode.
5. Take Good Care of Your Mouth
In order to maintain your appliances, you want to clean your mouth on a daily basis.
If your gums are not properly cleaned, your dentures won’t fit well. To stimulate your gums, brush them on a daily basis, and get into the habit of rising your mouth before wearing your dentures.
Why You Should See Your Denturist Regularly
Seeing your denturist regularly is critical to keeping your dentures in the best possible condition. Why? For starters, your dentures are more than simple teeth. They are highly complex, specialized, and advanced pieces of technology that are prone to accidents, just like anything else. You denturist will be able to spot abnormalities that you can’t see and prevent issues before they get out of control.
Rediscover Your Smile With Ottawa South Denture Clinic
Are you ready to get your own pair of perfect dentures now that you know everything about cleaning them? We would love to have you as our next patient at Ottawa South Denture Clinic!
We’ve developed our reputation as Ottawa’s best denturists through our unbeatable customer service and high-quality dentures. Ready to get your new dentures? Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!