Got dentures? Then you’ve probably already discovered that looking after them is a little different from looking after natural teeth.
But don’t worry, denture care doesn’t have to be complicated.
A few simple habits every day can help keep your dentures clean, your mouth healthy and your smile feeling fresh.
So let’s get back to basics: Denture Cleaning 101! ๐ฆท๐งโโ๏ธ
Why Is Denture Cleaning So Important?
Even though dentures aren’t natural teeth, they still collect food, plaque and bacteria throughout the day.
If dentures aren’t cleaned properly, build-up can contribute to:
- Bad breath
- Staining and discolouration
- Irritation of the gums
- Denture stomatitis
- Unpleasant tastes
- Build-up of hardened deposits on the denture
And remember, your mouth still needs cleaning too!
Your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth can also collect bacteria, even if you don’t have natural teeth.
๐ชฅ Step 1: Clean Your Dentures Every Day
Your dentures should be cleaned daily, ideally after removing them from your mouth.
Start by rinsing them under running water to remove loose food particles.
Then gently brush all surfaces of the denture using a soft denture brush or another suitable soft brush.
Pay particular attention to:
- The teeth
- The gum-coloured areas
- The inside surface that sits against your gums
- Around any clasps or attachments on partial dentures
Be gentle. You don’t need to scrub aggressively to get your dentures clean.
๐ซ Don’t Use Regular Toothpaste
This is one of the most common denture-care mistakes we see.
Regular toothpaste is designed for natural teeth and can contain abrasive ingredients that may scratch the surface of dentures.
Those tiny scratches can make it easier for stains and plaque to build up.
Instead, use a non-abrasive denture cleanser or a mild detergent as recommended by your dental professional.
๐ง Step 2: Rinse After Eating
A quick rinse after meals is an easy habit that can make a difference.
Remove your dentures if practical, rinse your mouth and rinse the dentures to help remove food particles.
You don’t need a complicated routine every time you eat.
Sometimes a simple rinse is enough to freshen things up until you can properly clean your dentures.
๐ Step 3: Clean Your Mouth Too
This is just as important as cleaning the dentures.
Even without natural teeth, you should continue your oral hygiene routine.
Using a soft toothbrush, gently clean:
๐ฆท Your gums
๐
Your tongue
๐ The roof of your mouth
๐งโโ๏ธ Any remaining natural teeth
Brushing your mouth morning and night can help remove bacteria and keep your oral tissues healthier.
If you still have natural teeth, don’t forget to brush them with fluoride toothpaste as recommended by your dental professional.
๐ Step 4: Give Your Mouth a Break Overnight
For many denture wearers, removing dentures overnight allows the tissues underneath to rest.
It also gives you an opportunity to thoroughly clean both your mouth and your dentures.
Before bed:
- Remove your dentures.
- Clean them thoroughly.
- Clean your gums, tongue and palate.
- Store your dentures safely.
Generally, it is recommended that you store your dentures dry in a container at night.
Always follow the prosthetist’s instructions, as some denture materials and cleaning products require specific care.
If your dental professional has specifically advised you to wear your dentures overnight, follow their advice.
๐งผ What About Denture Soaking Solutions?
Denture-cleaning solutions can be useful for helping clean and freshen dentures.
However, soaking doesn’t replace brushing.
Think of it as part of your cleaning routine rather than the entire routine.
Always read the instructions carefully and use the product as directed.
And never use household bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean your dentures. They can damage the denture and may be harmful if residues remain.
โ What About Stains?
Over time, dentures can become stained by things such as:
โ Coffee
๐ต Tea
๐ฌ Tobacco
๐ท Certain foods and drinks
Good daily cleaning can help reduce staining and build-up.
If your dentures have developed stubborn stains or hard deposits that you can’t remove at home, don’t reach for something abrasive to scrub them off.
Bring them in and let us have a look.
Sometimes professional cleaning or maintenance is all they need.
๐ฆท What About Partial Dentures?
If you wear a partial denture, denture care becomes even more important because you also have natural teeth to look after.
Food and plaque can collect around the remaining teeth, particularly around denture clasps.
Make sure you:
โ Brush your natural teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
โ Clean your partial denture daily
โ Clean carefully around clasps and other components
โ Follow your dentist’s advice about flossing or other cleaning aids
โ Have your remaining teeth checked regularly
Your natural teeth are valuable so look after the ones you’ve got!
๐ฃ What If My Dentures Are Making My Mouth Sore?
Cleaning your dentures properly is important, but persistent soreness shouldn’t simply be ignored.
If your dentures are rubbing, causing ulcers or creating pressure spots, there may be an issue with the fit.
Your mouth naturally changes over time, and dentures can become less well-fitting as the shape of your gums and underlying bone changes.
Don’t try to fix the problem by aggressively scrubbing the denture or applying more adhesive.
Instead, have the denture assessed.
A simple adjustment or reline may sometimes improve the fit. In other situations, replacement dentures may be more appropriate.
๐งโโ๏ธ Your Simple Denture Cleaning Routine
If you want to keep it really simple, remember:
MORNING โ๏ธ
๐ชฅ Clean your mouth
๐ฆท Clean your dentures
๐ง Rinse before putting them back in
AFTER MEALS ๐ฝ๏ธ
๐ง Rinse your mouth and dentures when practical
NIGHT ๐
๐ฆท Remove your dentures
๐ชฅ Clean your dentures
๐ Clean your gums, tongue and palate
๐ง Store your dentures safely overnight
That’s it!
You don’t need a complicated routine, you just need a consistent one.
How Often Should Dentures Be Checked?
Even if your dentures look fine, regular professional checks can be helpful.
Your mouth changes over time, and your dentures wear as well.
A check-up can identify issues such as:
- Loose dentures
- Worn denture teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Cracks or damage
- Sore areas
- Poor fit
- Excessive wear
Sometimes a small adjustment or reline can help extend the useful life of your dentures.
And sometimes the denture has simply reached the end of its useful life and replacement is the better option.
The Bottom Line
Clean your dentures. Clean your mouth. Give your gums a rest. And don’t ignore changes.
Good denture hygiene is about more than keeping your dentures looking nice. It’s about keeping your mouth clean, comfortable and healthy.
And remember, wearing dentures doesn’t mean you stop looking after your oral health.
At The False Tooth Fairy Denture Clinic in Boronia, we’re always happy to answer your denture-care questions, check your denture fit and help you work out a maintenance routine that suits you.
If you’re unsure whether your dentures are still fitting properly, book an obligation-free consultation and come have a chat with the Tooth Fairy. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ https://falsetoothfairy.com.au/contact-us/
Your dentures deserve care, and so does your mouth.