How to Keep Your Dentures Clean

Dentures are a time-tested solution for replacing missing teeth, and they’re more budget-friendly than other options, like dental implants. While dentures are simple to care for, you do need to learn how to clean them properly to prevent problems like infections or bad breath.

Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center team in Waterford, Michigan, has extensive experience helping patients restore their beautiful smiles with custom dentures featuring lightweight, durable materials for greater comfort and confidence. If dentures are in your future, these tips can help you keep them in top condition.

Get the right products

Keeping your dentures clean isn’t difficult, but it can be much easier if you have the right tools. You want a soft-bristled toothbrush to thoroughly clean the surfaces of the dentures without scratching them. Use a brush specifically for your dentures and a different one for your natural teeth.

Pair the brush with a nonabrasive toothpaste — skip the whitening pastes or the pastes with baking soda since these can damage the denture surface or cause discoloration over time. You can opt for a cleanser made specifically for dentures or even use mild, diluted dishwashing liquid (rinse well).

Rinse first

Begin cleaning by giving your dentures a good rinse to remove food particles. Use cool or lukewarm water to rinse your dentures, and keep a good grip on them — dentures can be slippery. Avoid hot water, which could affect the denture’s fit and warp it.

Next, brush

Once you’ve rinsed your dentures, it’s time to brush them. Using your soft-bristled brush, clean every part of your dentures thoroughly. A good brushing helps your dentures stay fresh while getting rid of plaque and bacteria that can lead to soreness, gum disease, or problems with your natural teeth.

If you use a denture adhesive, remove every trace of it with your brush. Then, rinse your dentures well.

Do not forget your gums

If you have natural teeth, you remember to brush them, too. You should clean your gums and palate even if you’re missing all your teeth.

Brush gently to avoid irritation, and brush every area — even the hard-to-reach “hinges” at the back of your jaw. The goal is to get rid of germs that can cause gum disease or sores in the soft tissues of your mouth.

Soak while you sleep

You should remove your dentures when you go to bed, making it an ideal time to soak them (after brushing them). Plain water is fine, but you can add a little mouthwash or use a special soaking agent for dentures.

Soaking overnight gives a deep clean, prevents dentures from drying out, and ensures they’re fresh in the morning. You don’t need a container — you can use a cup or put some liquid in your denture case.

On-the-go freshness

To keep your dentures clean and fresh when eating out, consider taking a bathroom break to rinse them off and remove any food particles that could be visible, smelly, or uncomfortable. Keeping a toothbrush and a small bottle of mouthwash in your pocket or bag keeps your dentures — and the rest of your mouth — clean and fresh all day.

To learn more about dentures and other tooth replacement options, call 248-681-8100 or request an appointment online with Marvin Taylor, DDS, and the team at Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center today. With four experienced dentists on staff, we’re available seven days a week for same-day emergency visits and scheduled appointments.