If you’re a denture wearer, you might have faced challenges in keeping your dentures clean and free from excess plaque buildup, especially with most of the best commercial denture soaking solutions consistently running out from online stores.
Fortunately, there are effective and risk-free DIY denture cleaner recipes that you can try using simple ingredients found around the house, such as white vinegar, warm water, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, aloe vera, and even vodka!
Which option do you prefer?
1. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda denture cleaner
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are versatile ingredients used in various health-related recipes, including oral health care. When combined, they make the perfect cleaning solution for dentures.
- Put two teaspoons of baking soda into a glass.
- Add a few drops of warm water to the baking soda and swish it around until it dissolves.
- Place your dentures into the glass and pour enough hydrogen peroxide to cover them.
- Let the dentures soak overnight and rinse them thoroughly the next morning.
2. White Vinegar denture cleaner
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and highly recommended by dental professionals for cleaning dentures.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a glass.
- Place your dentures into the glass and allow them to soak overnight.
- Before putting the dentures back into your mouth, brush and rinse them thoroughly.
If you have bad breath caused by poor denture hygiene, you can mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with one cup of water, gargle the mixture in your mouth for about thirty seconds, and then spit it out. There’s no need to use a denture brush after rinsing.
3. Vodka-based denture cleaner
Vodka is not just a popular alcoholic beverage; it can also be used as an excellent denture soaking solution. This strong liquid can disinfect your false teeth while brightening them up.
- Place your dentures into a wide jar or container.
- Pour vodka over them until they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Let the dentures soak overnight for the best results.
- The next morning, rinse them thoroughly before putting them back into your mouth.
4. Bleach-based denture cleaning solution
One of the most commonly used homemade denture cleansers is a diluted bleach solution. This solution is not only effective for cleaning dentures but is especially good at disinfecting false teeth and removing stains caused by coffee, cola, tea, and tobacco products.
Preparation and Use
There are several variations on how to prepare and use a homemade bleach-based denture cleanser. While the following directions are a reasonable approach, it’s essential to consult your dentist beforehand, as they can provide personalized advice.
To prepare the soaking mixture:
- Take 1 part household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) and dilute it with 10 parts water to create roughly a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. (For other bleach concentrations, adjust the dilution accordingly.)
- Before using the soak, remove any accumulated film and loose debris from your dentures by scrubbing them with a brush.
- Soak the dentures for 3 to 10 minutes once a day and rinse thoroughly with cool tap water before inserting them back into your mouth.
- Avoid overnight soaking, as it may cause irritation to oral tissues.
Safety and Effectiveness for bleach-based denture cleaners
Exposure:
Studies have shown that soaking dentures in a bleach-based solution for 3 minutes daily over 90 days effectively reduces the number of microorganisms, including Candida (a common oral fungus). The American College of Prosthodontists recommends avoiding exposure to sodium hypochlorite solution for more than 10 minutes.
Effectiveness:
While bleach-based cleaners are good at removing stains and disinfecting, they may not be as effective in removing tartar deposits on dentures. To improve tartar-removing capability, add one teaspoon of Calgon® water softener per glassful of the homemade solution. After soaking, brush the dentures a second time to remove softened deposits.
Risks Associated with bleach-based denture cleaners
Before using a bleach-based soak, it is essential to get approval from your dentist. There are concerns related to color fading, surface roughness, denture strength, and metal corrosion.
- Studies have shown that the pink coloration of denture plastic may fade with prolonged exposure to bleach, but the effect is usually minimal and not visually detectable.
- Surface roughness may increase slightly, potentially facilitating the adherence of microorganisms, but this effect is generally minimal.
- Bleach-based soaks may affect the flexural strength of denture plastics, but most studies have not found significant changes within the recommended soaking times.
- In some cases, bleach-based solutions can tarnish and corrode metal components of dentures, especially cobalt-chromium alloys used in partial denture construction.
- For denture relines, which involve different materials and processes, it’s essential to consult your dentist to ensure compatibility of the liner with your current denture cleaner, homemade or commercial.
5. Aloe Vera for Denture Care
Aloe Vera gel is a natural remedy that has been used for various medicinal purposes, and it can also be beneficial for denture care:
- This gel’s antifungal properties can help inhibit the growth of these microorganisms, reducing the risk of oral infections and discomfort.
- Aloe Vera gel can be effective in loosening plaque and eliminating stains on dentures.
How to use Aloe Vera for Denture Cleaning
Method 1: Apply directly
Apply the gel to the dentures twice a day and allow it to sit for a few minutes, in order to soften the plaque buildup and make it easier to remove during regular cleaning.
Method 2: Combine with Vinegar-Water Solution
To enhance the cleaning effect of Aloe Vera gel, some recommend rinsing the dentures with a solution of half vinegar and half water after the gel application. Vinegar is known for its ability to dissolve stains and remove deposits, making it a suitable partner for Aloe Vera in denture care.
NB:
It is essential to note that while Aloe Vera gel can be a helpful addition to denture care, it may not be a complete replacement for regular denture cleaning with appropriate cleansers. While it can aid in preventing fungal growth and loosening plaque, using specialized denture cleansers and following dentist-approved cleaning routines remain crucial for maintaining oral health.
Final Thoughts
By learning how to create a DIY denture cleaner with these affordable and accessible ingredients, you can maintain good oral and dental health. Always remember to take your dentures out of your mouth every day and clean them, as suggested by the American College of Prosthodontists, to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
References
https://www.tipsbulletin.com/homemade-denture-cleaner/
https://www.animated-teeth.com/false-teeth/a-homemade-denture-cleaners.htm
