A beautiful smile can improve your confidence; good oral care is essential to getting that smile if you wear dentures. Dentures are a great way to replace lost teeth, but they need to be cleaned in a certain way to stop bacteria and fungi from growing on them. An important part of this practice is disinfecting dentures, which keep your breath fresh and your teeth healthy. This complete guide will teach you how to clean and disinfect your teeth the right way, which will help you keep your mouth healthy and your smile bold.
Why Disinfection Matters: Disinfecting Dentures
There are lots of germs in your mouth. Food bits and saliva stuck between teeth and gums are great conditions for microbes to grow. Here are some problems that can happen if you don’t do anything about this buildup:
- Denture Stomatitis: Denture Stomatitis is an inflammatory disease that irritates the gums and tissues under your teeth, making them red and painful. It is important to clean and disinfect your teeth regularly to keep your mouth healthy and stop dangerous germs from growing.
- Bad Breath: If you have bad breath, it could be caused by too many bacteria in your mouth. To avoid these problems and keep your mouth healthy, it would be best to clean your teeth regularly.
- Thrush: Thrush is an illness caused by a fungus that causes white spots on the tongue and inside the cheeks.
- Stained Dentures: Bacteria and food bits can stain your teeth over time, making them look bad.
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your dentures can eliminate these risks, giving you a fresh, confident smile and better oral health.
Brushing vs. Soaking: A Two-Pronged Approach
There are two steps to disinfecting: brushing and soaking. Let’s look into each method:
Brushing
- Frequency: Brush your dentures daily, ideally twice daily – morning and night.
- Technique: Use a soft-bristled denture brush specifically designed for cleaning dentures. Regular toothbrushes can be too harsh and damage the delicate material.
- Cleanser: Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be abrasive. Instead, opt for a denture cleanser or mild hand soap. Apply a small amount of cleanser to the brush and gently scrub all surfaces of the dentures, including the clasps (for partial dentures) and the gum-fitting areas.
- Rinsing: After brushing, rinse your dentures thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water to remove any remaining food particles, cleanser residue, and loosened bacteria.
Soaking
- Frequency: Soak your dentures overnight while you sleep. This allows for deeper cleaning and disinfection.
- Solution: Use a denture-cleansing solution specifically formulated for dentures. These solutions are designed to kill bacteria and fungi, remove stubborn stains, and deodorize your dentures. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and soaking duration.
- Alternatives: If you don’t have a denture-cleansing solution readily available, you can use a DIY soak solution. Mix one tablespoon of table salt or white vinegar with warm water.
Important Note: Avoid using hot water as it can warp your dentures.
Additional Disinfecting Dentures Tips
- Brushing Your Gums and Tongue: Proper oral hygiene is essential, even with dentures. Brush your tongue and gums twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove bacteria and promote oral health.
- Daily Rinse: Throughout the day, rinse your dentures with clean water after meals to remove food debris and freshen your breath.
- Weekly Deep Clean: Consider using a denture soak tablet once a week for more intensive disinfection. Follow the instructions on the tablet packaging.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist to ensure the health of your gums and the proper fit of your dentures. They can also offer professional cleaning services for stubborn stains or buildup.
Denture Care to Disinfecting Dentures Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
- Handle your dentures with care to avoid dropping and breaking them.
- Clean your dentures over a sink or basin filled with water to prevent breakage if you accidentally drop them.
- Rinse your dentures thoroughly after brushing and soaking.
- Store your dentures in a bath filled with water or a mild denture solution when not in use.
Don’ts:
- Use hot water to brush or soak your dentures. Avoid using toothpaste, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on your dentures, as they can damage the material. Never try to adjust or repair your dentures yourself; always consult your dentist for any issues with fit or comfort.
- Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on your dentures. Avoid using toothpaste or regular household cleaners, as they can be too abrasive and damage the material. Additionally, do not let your dentures dry out, as this can cause them to warp or become misshapen over time.
- Bend or twist your dentures when cleaning or handling them, which can cause damage. Avoid using toothpaste or regular household cleaners on your dentures, as they can be too abrasive and damage the material.
- Use toothpaste on your dentures, as it can be abrasive and dull the surface. Instead, use a mild dish soap or denture cleaner designed to clean dentures.
- Go to sleep with your dentures in unless your dentist specifically instructs you to do so. Leaving your dentures in while sleeping can increase the risk of oral health issues and discomfort.
Around 90% of edentulous persons have dentures, and it is estimated that around 15% of the population has dentures made each year. Source.
Maintaining Denture Hygiene by Disinfecting Dentures
If you follow these easy but effective ways to clean your teeth, you can ensure they stay clean. Taking good care of and cleaning your dentures regularly will keep them looking great, keep your mouth healthy, and give you fresh breath.
Disinfecting Dentures: A Healthy Smile Starts with Healthy Dentures
Cleaning your teeth is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy. By following the abovementioned tips, you can keep your breath fresh, your mouth healthy, and your smile bold. Remember that dentures cost money, and caring for them will make them last longer and look better. Don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist if you have any questions or worries about your dentures or mouth health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disinfecting Dentures
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding denture disinfection:
1. Can I use mouthwash to disinfect my dentures?
While mouthwash can help freshen your breath and rinse your mouth, it shouldn’t be your primary method of disinfecting dentures. Mouthwash may not be strong enough to kill all bacteria and fungus on your dentures.
2. How often should I replace my denture brush?
Just like a regular toothbrush, denture brushes wear out over time. The bristles become frayed and less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. If the bristles become frayed or damaged, it’s recommended that you replace them every three months or sooner.
3. What if my dentures become stained?
Stubborn stains can sometimes occur on dentures despite proper cleaning. Some denture cleansers offer stain-removal properties for occasional deeper cleaning. However, avoid using harsh bleach or abrasive cleaners, which can damage your dentures. Consult your dentist for stubborn stains that won’t come out with regular cleaning methods.
4. Can I use denture wipes instead of soaking?
Denture wipes can be a convenient option for occasional daily cleaning, particularly on the go. However, they shouldn’t replace the nightly soaking routine with a proper denture cleanser. Soaking allows for a more thorough disinfection and helps remove any lingering debris.
5. Is it safe to use ultrasonic cleaners for dentures?
Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to create vibrations that remove dirt and debris. While some denture cleansers are specifically designed for ultrasonic cleaning, consult your dentist before using one. Improper use of ultrasonic cleaners can damage your dentures.