How To Clean Your Dentures
Some people are under the impression that once you get your dentures placed, you don’t need to worry about cleaning your teeth again. But unfortunately, this is not the care and there are repercussions if you neglect cleaning your dentures. Your dentures can get stains and look dirty, just like your regular teeth. So to keep them bright and shining, you will have to take care of them and keep them clean.
What Happens If You Do Not Clean Your Dentures
It’s not only that your teeth will appear dirty looking, but there are several other health risks associated with it. Those health risks include:
- Fungal Infection: a fungal infection occurs mostly in patients who have dry mouth or do not often remove their dentures. The bacteria reside at the bottom of the denture, causing your gums to become red and inflamed. The only way to get rid of the infection is by taking anti0inflammatory medicine and giving your gums some rest.
- Sores in the Mouth: if there are leftover food particles in your mouth, and you don’t clean them out, it can lead to sores, irritation, and ulcers in your mouth.
- Visible Damage: if you don’t clean your dentures, there is always the risk of some physical damages to your dentures.
How To Keep Your Dentures Clean
In order to keep your dentures clean, you need to follow these three simple steps. Its important to note that you need to do all three steps in order to keep your dentures in their best shape.
- Brushing: this is the most important step of all, whether you have teeth or dentures! Some people think they can skip the brushing and just let the dentures soak in water to get clean, but this will not remove the stains and debris. Brush the teeth with a brush to make sure you remove all the debris and particles of leftover food. Your dentures cannot get plaque or tartar but can be harmed if these are accumulated.
- Soak in Water: after you have finished brushing your dentures before going to bed at night, soak your dentures in warm water mixed with denture cleaning solution. Soaking them will allow the dentures to stay wet. We recommend purchasing any denture cleaning solution that the American Dental Association approves. This cleaning agent not only sanitizes your dentures but also gives it a longer life. Your dentures are NOT permanent, you must remove them at night to give your gums some rest.
- Dental Visits: many patients think that once they get their dentures, they no longer need to go see the dentist. This is false. You must visit your dentist once every 12 months for a denture cleaning session. Your dentist will examine the denture and your gums, and then professionally clean your dentures to remove the hard, unremovable stains.
Got More Questions About How to Clean Your Dentures?
If you are still unsure how to clean your dentures or are looking to get dentures, call Downingtown Family Dentistry at 610-269-1414 to speak to our specialists and book an appointment.
