Denture cleaning is a process that should never be neglected and is closely related to oral hygiene. It is crucial for the denture’s longevity and maintaining oral health. Regular denture cleaning, performed with the correct methods, is of utmost importance. In order to ensure both the long lifespan of the denture and the protection of oral health, denture cleaning should be done properly.
Here are the steps for cleaning dentures:
Basic Cleaning
First, wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Be sure to wash your hands before each cleaning to prevent bacteria from transferring to the denture.
Rinse the Denture
After removing the denture, rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove food particles.
Brushing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush appropriate for your denture material and gently brush the denture. Avoid applying excessive pressure while brushing.
Denture Cleaning Tablets
Denture cleaning tablets are another option for cleaning. Dissolve a tablet in a glass of water and immerse the denture in it for cleaning.
Rinsing Again
After cleaning, rinse the denture thoroughly under running water to remove any remnants of the cleaning agents.
Oral Cleaning
Before reinserting the denture, clean your mouth as well. You can rinse your mouth with water or use mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
Why Is Denture Cleaning Important?
Denture types are designed for long-term use. However, in order for them to last, denture cleaning must never be neglected. Cleaning these materials is not difficult, nor does it require a long time. When you first get your denture, you should receive information not only on how to use it but also on how to clean and store it. This applies to both full and partial dentures. Regular and proper cleaning, along with correct storage, helps prevent hardening and preserves the denture’s form, allowing it to be used comfortably for many years.
Just like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque over time. If cleaning is neglected, this plaque can turn into tartar. Therefore, maintaining denture cleaning is of great importance. Those who take care of their dentures report fewer problems and are able to use them for much longer. If denture cleaning is neglected, bad breath and other issues may arise. When considered in this way, the importance of denture cleaning becomes even more evident.
Different Types of Denture Cleaning Methods
There are various methods for cleaning dentures. It is best to consult your dentist about which method is most suitable for your denture type. Your dentist will provide the best information on the ideal cleaning method based on your denture material. The most commonly used methods for denture cleaning are:
Toothbrush Cleaning
This is the most common and simple method for cleaning dentures. A soft-bristled toothbrush is used to clean the denture by gently removing food particles.
Specialized Denture Cleaning Brushes
These brushes are specially designed for cleaning dentures and are more ergonomic than regular toothbrushes. They make the cleaning process faster and more effective.
Denture Cleaning Tablets
These tablets are designed specifically for denture cleaning. When dissolved in water, they help remove dirt and bacteria from the denture.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
These are specialized devices that use ultrasonic vibrations to clean every part of the denture effectively. This method provides thorough cleaning.
How to Clean Dentures Made from Different Materials?
Denture cleaning for dentures made from different materials can generally be done using similar methods. However, if you’re using acrylic dentures, you should avoid using abrasive materials during cleaning. When cleaning metal-supported dentures, it is important to avoid damaging the metal. For porcelain dentures, using denture cleaning tablets is the most suitable method.
How to Clean Stained Dentures?
If denture cleaning is neglected, stains can appear on the dentures, which may cause difficulty for the person in using them comfortably. Patients can use stain-removing denture cleaning tablets to get rid of stains. However, for these tablets to be effective, they should be used as soon as stains begin to form. If stain removal is not possible with the tablets, a more professional cleaning procedure is required, which should be performed by a dentist. If you visit your dentist and inform them about the stains on your dentures, they will provide the necessary information and ensure the dentures are cleaned properly.
How to Clean Dentures with Plaque?
Neglecting denture cleaning for a while will lead to plaque formation on the dentures. Since this plaque can harm oral hygiene, it must be cleaned. One method for cleaning dentures with plaque is using ultrasonic cleaners. You can also use toothpaste with plaque-removing properties to completely remove the plaque from your dentures. Some denture cleaning tablets also have plaque-removing qualities, and you may opt for these products. If plaque persists despite using all methods, consult your dentist.
How to Clean Dentures with Tartar?
If tartar forms on the dentures, cleaning the tartar cannot usually be done by the individual, as it requires professional intervention. It is not effective to clean the tartar with just a toothbrush. Therefore, for dentures with tartar, you will need to seek help from your dentist. Your dentist can use special materials and techniques to remove the tartar from the dentures.
How to Clean Dentures with Odor?
For dentures with a bad odor, antibacterial solutions should be used for cleaning, as bacteria are often the cause of the odor. Additionally, you can use special denture cleaning tablets designed to eliminate odors. Soaking the dentures in clean water overnight will help prevent bad odors. However, if denture cleaning is neglected again, odors may return.
How to Best Store Your Dentures?
Storing your dentures is just as important as cleaning them. Even if you regularly clean your dentures, improper storage can damage them. The best way to store dentures is by keeping them in clean water. It’s important that this water is drinking water, not tap water. Another alternative method is using denture storage solutions, but storing dentures in clean water is more cost-effective.
It’s very harmful to store your dentures in the same water continuously. You should change the water daily. Additionally, the container you store the dentures in must also be clean. Make sure to clean the storage container regularly. By paying attention to these factors, bacterial buildup on the dentures is prevented, and oral hygiene is maintained.
How Should I Store My Dentures Overnight?
At night, after cleaning your dentures, they should be stored, and cleaning should never be left for the morning. First and foremost, dentures need to stay moist to retain their shape. Therefore, unless your dentist recommends otherwise, the best option is to store them in clean water. Be sure to clean your dentures first, ensuring they are in a hygienic state before soaking them overnight. There are also specially formulated solutions designed for storing dentures. If the material of your dentures is compatible with these solutions, you can use them. Dentures should never be placed in boiling, ice-cold, or hot water. They should be kept in water at room temperature.
Should Dentures Be Stored in Water?
Yes, after cleaning dentures, they should be stored in water overnight. It’s important that the water is not tap water, but drinking water. Tap water may contain a high amount of lime, which can be harmful to your dentures. We remind you that the water should be clean and unused, meaning hygienic. If dentures are not stored in a moist environment when not in use, they can dry out. Drying can cause them to lose their shape, and when you put them back in, they might not fit as well as before. Therefore, it’s essential that dentures are stored in a moist environment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Dentures
For those who are cleaning dentures for the first time or already using them, it’s crucial to be aware of common mistakes. By knowing these mistakes, you can avoid them. The most common errors are as follows:
- Using abrasive cleaning products.
- Cleaning with hot water.
- Washing dentures in boiling water.
- Using toothpaste or a toothbrush that is not suitable for dentures.
- Soaking dentures in hot or ice-cold water.
- Storing dentures dry after cleaning.
How Often Should You See Your Dentist for Denture Care?
Even if you are using dentures, you should visit your dentist for routine check-ups every six months. However, if you are having difficulty cleaning your dentures or if you are unsure about how to use certain materials, you can consult your dentist and schedule an appointment. Additionally, if you notice any issues such as looseness in your dentures, you can visit your dentist without waiting for the six-month check-up.
It might interest you –> Dental Implants Turkey
How Often Should Denture Cleaning Be Done?
Denture cleaning should be done every day. After each meal, you should remove your dentures, wash them, and rinse your mouth before placing your dentures back. It’s essential to make daily denture cleaning a habit and take it seriously. This is the only way to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Can I Use Invisalign Cleaners for Denture Cleaning?
Invisalign cleaners are generally designed for clear aligners, so you should not use them for cleaning dentures without consulting your dentist first. If your dentist approves, it will be fine to use them.
Check it out –> Partial Dentures
Can I Use Whitening Products for Denture Cleaning?
You can use whitening denture cleaning tablets, but avoid using any additional products. Materials like baking soda or bleach should never be used for cleaning dentures.
For your information –> Antalya Dental Clinic
