Denture Care: How Do I Clean Dentures?

According to a recent report by the American College of Prosthodontists, it is unfortunate that close to 40 million Americans have not been able to preserve their natural teeth. This figure is expected to rise in the upcoming years due to continued poor oral habits that may negatively affect teeth. For this reason and many others, dentures are worn daily all around the world. If you wear dentures, you will need to learn how to properly clean and care for them.

Dentures, like natural teeth, need to be thoroughly cleaned. Stringent hygienic practices are required to care for dentures. It is, therefore, essential to know how to clean and take care of them. The more seriously you take care of them, the longer they will last! In this article, we will discuss the best way to clean dentures!

 How often should you clean dentures?

It is vital to treat your dentures in Oshawa as you would treat natural teeth. It would be best to keep them as clean as possible. This guarantees that you won’t need to lose more teeth, or develop inflamed gums or suffer bacterial and fungal infections. We recommend that you clean your denture at least once a day. If you need any help with cleaning your dentures, visit a dentist near you.

 How should you clean dentures?

It is worth noting that dentures are fragile and can break if you drop them. It can help if you clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. The general rule to apply while cleaning your dentures is soaking and brushing them every day. Brushing the dentures helps remove any bits of food. Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner…not toothpaste. Be cautious not to scrub too hard as it can cause grooves in the surface.

Take time and brush all the dentures' surfaces, including the part that fits into your gums. Cleaning this part is especially crucial if you use any denture fixative. You can also make a routine of soaking your dentures every day in a denture-cleaning solution. This helps in removing plaque and stubborn stains that are left. Using a denture-cleaning solution helps to disinfect your dentures. Even so, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while using the solution.

 Can the dentist clean them?

Absolutely! Some people notice tartar staring to accumulate on their dentures. This can also occur on natural teeth. If you fail to remove the plaque properly, it can react with your saliva and harden into tartar. Sometimes, you may not succeed in eradicating this tartar by yourself. In that case, it is advisable to visit a dentist in Oshawa and have your dentures cleaned professionally.

 What can you do about staining?

Often, dentures may absorb what you eat and drink every day. Staining is more prevalent especially if you smoke or drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine. In most cases, you should be able to eliminate staining with regular cleanings. However, stubborn stains may take a little more cleaning. Do not hesitate to have this handled by your dental team.

 Do you need to see the dentist?

Being able to clean your dentures should not rule out regular dental visits. It is important to visit your dental team regularly even if you do not have a problem with your dentures. It is prudent to note that dentists will check not only just your dentures but also the soft parts of the mouth, including the tongue and cheeks. These examinations are essential to your overall dental health. During the visit, your dentist can diagnose any infections, mouth conditions, or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages.

 If you are looking for dentures near you, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team of experienced dental professionals, are here to help you care and clean your dentures in Oshawa.