How to Clean Dentures? A Handy Guide to Achieve the Best Results

by Dr Thomas Choi (dentist) | Jun 28, 2024 | cleaning false teeth, denture cleaning, how to clean dentures | Dentures

Just because you’re wearing dentures doesn’t mean you’re let off the hook and no longer have to worry about your teeth.

Just like natural teeth, false teeth can attract microorganisms and start to look dingy and discoloured.

For this reason, committing to cleaning false teeth is essential to help their long-term health and appearance.

Why Clean Dentures Regularly?

Proper denture maintenance is essential for maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding infections, and extending the life of dental appliances. Regular cleaning helps to:

Prevent Oral Infections: Dentures can harbour bacteria and fungi that cause infections.
Maintain Appearance: Proper cleaning prevents staining and keeps dentures looking their best.
Prolong Denture Life: Regular maintenance helps prevent wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your dentures.
Ensure Comfort: Clean dentures fit better and feel more comfortable in your mouth.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Fortunately, the cleaning process is simple and requires three simple steps. Consistency is paramount to achieving the best results.

Step 1: Rinse After Eating

It is recommended that you clean your teeth after every meal. If you wear a denture, take it out and rinse it under clear water. This assists in preventing plaque formation and dominance and eradicating food particles from the mouth.

Step 2: Brush Your Dentures

Opt for that soft-bristle denture toothbrush or a conventional or soft-bristle brush. Do not use a brush with hard bristles because they may cause the denture surface and surrounding tissue to become rough.

To clean the surfaces of the dentures, you should use a mild denture cleaner, which is different from the general cleaners, but if you don’t have any, you can use a non-abrasive soap to clean the dentures; it is also essential to clean all the surfaces of the dentures inclusive of the under surface and the grooves that click into your gums.

Step 3: Soak Overnight

Dentures must be moist to prevent drying and rigidity. Therefore, they should be immersed for several hours in a denture cleaning solution or, in the absence of this, plain water. Do not use hot water, as it can cause dentures to warp.

Step 4: Rinse Before Wearing

In the morning, rinse your dentures thoroughly before placing them in your mouth. This ensures that any cleaning solution residue is removed, which can irritate.

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Using Denture Cleaners

There are various over-the-counter denture cleaning products available. These include:

Denture Tablets: As instructed, drop a tablet into warm water and soak your dentures. These effervescent tablets help remove stains and bacteria.
Ultrasonic Cleaners: These gadgets successfully remove bacteria and dirt from dentures by causing vibrations in a cleaning solution through sound waves.

Natural Cleaning Solutions

For those who prefer natural cleaning methods, consider the following:

Vinegar Solution: Soak your dentures in equal parts warm water and white vinegar for half an hour. Vinegar dissolves tartar and kills bacteria.
Baking Soda Paste: Create a mixture of water and baking soda in a separate basin. Gently brush your dentures with this paste to remove stains and neutralise odours.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner for persistent stains. Do not use regular toothpaste, bleach, or any material that may scratch or tarnish the appearance of the denture material.

Tips for Proper Denture Care

Handle with Care: Dentures are fragile and can easily crack or chip if dropped or fall off a table. Finally, fold their legs and hold them over a soft towel or a sink full of water so they won’t hit the floor.
Avoid Abrasive Materials: Avoid using stiff brushes, strong toothpaste, or harsh chemicals on your dentures.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Make an appointment to see your dentist for a cleaning and check that the dentures fit correctly.
Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can cause dentures to warp, so always use lukewarm or cold water for cleaning and soaking.
Watch Your Diet: Dentures may become discoloured due to certain meals and beverages. Limit consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products.

Common Denture Cleaning Mistakes

Using Toothpaste

Many people mistakenly use regular toothpaste to clean their dentures. Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can create microscopic scratches on the denture surface, leading to a dull appearance and increased plaque buildup.

Skipping the Night Soak

Leaving dentures out overnight without soaking can cause them to dry out and lose shape. Always soak your dentures in water or a denture-cleaning solution to keep them moist and well-maintained.

Ignoring the Gums

Clean your gums, tongue, and natural teeth with a soft toothbrush or gauze to remove plaque and stimulate circulation. This ensures a healthy mouth and a better fit for your dentures.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

It’s essential to practise good dental hygiene, even with dentures. Here are some additional tips:

Brush Your Gums and Tongue: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth. This helps to remove plaque and bacteria, promoting overall oral health.
Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help to reduce oral bacteria and freshen your breath.
Stay Hydrated: Be sure to stay well-hydrated throughout your day by drinking lots of water, which can also help clean out food particles and bacteria.

Dentures Care in Leichhardt

Need help with your dentures?

Call our friendly, experienced team at My Local Dentists Leichhardt, and we’ll be happy to answer your denture care questions or supply you with a brand-new, high-quality, natural-looking denture.

We are located at Shop 48, Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre, 122-138 Flood Street in Leichhardt.