Maintaining proper denture care is crucial for individuals who rely on dentures to replace missing teeth. Clean dentures not only contribute to oral health but also promote their longevity, ensuring that they remain effective for an extended period.
Conversely, neglecting denture care can lead to a variety of oral health issues, including gum inflammation, bacterial infections, and bad breath.
Therefore, it is essential to adopt a regular cleaning routine to keep your false teeth in optimal condition.
Reasons to clean your dentures diligently
Clean dentures offer numerous benefits for oral health and overall well-being:
- By effectively removing bacteria, plaque, and food particles, clean dentures minimize the risk of oral infections, gum disease, and tooth decay
- Maintaining clean dentures helps to prevent unpleasant odors, enhancing oral freshness and boosting self-confidence.
- Regular cleaning also prevents discoloration and staining, keeping dentures looking their best.
- Additionally, proper care and hygiene can significantly extend the lifespan of dentures, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated costs.
How to clean dentures at home
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Area
Dentures, being delicate and susceptible to damage, require careful handling during cleaning. To protect them from accidental falls and potential breakage, it is recommended to place a folded towel at the bottom of the sink. This simple precautionary measure acts as a cushion in case the dentures slip from your grasp. Furthermore, filling the sink with a few inches of water creates an additional protective barrier, reducing the impact in case you drop them.
Step 2: Remove your Dentures
Many denture wearers use denture adhesive to prevent slipping. So when it comes to removing them, you need to take this into account. There is an easy way to remove dentures for people who use denture adhesive:
- Fill your mouth with warm water and swishing it around
- This will cause the adhesive to loosen, making it easier to remove the dentures.
- Repeat the process a few times until the dentures become loose enough to be taken out comfortably.
Step 3: How to Clean Dentures Naturally
Contrary to popular belief, one doesn’t need to invest in expensive denture care products to achieve optimal cleanliness. A fingernail brush, for instance, can serve as an excellent alternative to an expensive denture brush.
There are several natural cleaning methods to effectively remove stains, whiten your dentures, and maintain optimal oral hygiene:
a. Brushing with antibacterial hand soap or dish washing liquid
Brushing dentures with antibacterial hand soap or dishwashing liquid and warm water is an easy and low cost option for removing debris from your dentures.
b. Vinegar and water solution
A 50:50 solution of vinegar and water can be used as a cost-effective and efficient denture cleanser. White vinegar, with its acidic properties, can be used to effectively remove hardened plaque and bacteria from dentures. The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down and dissolve any stains and buildup on dentures, leaving them clean and fresh.
To utilize white vinegar for denture cleaning:
- Create a solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water
- Soak the dentures in this solution for 15-20 minutes, allowing the vinegar to work its cleansing action and loosening debris
- Thorough brushing afterward ensures its removal.
- Afterward, thoroughly rinse the dentures to remove any vinegar residue.
NB: However, vinegar should not be used on partial dentures with metal components, as it may corrode the metal.
c. Baking soda for whitening and odor removal
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and readily available household ingredient that can be used to clean and freshen dentures. Its mild abrasive properties make it effective in removing surface stains and discoloration, as well as neutralizing odors.
To utilize baking soda for denture cleaning:
- Create a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a thick consistency.
- Gently brush the dentures with the paste, paying attention to areas with stains or odor.
- Rinse the dentures thoroughly afterward to remove any residue.
d. Salt, baking soda, glycerin denture toothpaste
A good alternative is combining salt and baking soda with glycerin to create a gentle, safe, and effective toothpaste for denture cleaning.
e. Lemon juice for stain removal
Lemon juice, with its natural acidic properties, can be an effective natural remedy for removing stains from dentures. The citric acid present in lemon juice acts as a gentle bleaching agent, helping to lighten and eliminate stubborn stains on your dentures.
To utilize this method:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and dilute it with an equal amount of water
- Submerge the dentures in the solution and let them soak for a few minutes.
- Afterward, brush the dentures gently with a soft-bristle brush to remove the loosened stains.
- Rinse the dentures thoroughly to ensure no lemon residue remains
f. Hydrogen peroxide for stain and discoloration removal
Hydrogen peroxide, a common antiseptic and disinfectant, can also be used to remove stains and discoloration from dentures. It possesses bleaching properties that can effectively lighten dark spots and restore the dentures’ natural color.
To apply:
- Dilute hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water
- Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the dentures with the solution.
- Rinse the dentures thoroughly afterward to remove any residue.
It is important to exercise caution when using hydrogen peroxide, as excessive or prolonged exposure can damage the denture material.
g. Salt for denture care and soaking overnight
Salt is a natural abrasive and antimicrobial agent that can aid in denture care and maintenance. It can help remove debris, plaque, and bacteria, while also reducing odor.
One simple way to utilize salt for denture care is to:
- Create a saline solution by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water
- Soak the dentures in this solution for a few minutes, allowing the salt to work its cleansing magic.
For an overnight soak, create a stronger saline solution by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and leave the dentures submerged overnight. This helps to loosen any remaining debris and bacteria.
How to Disinfect Dentures at home
Disinfection plays a crucial role in denture care, particularly for acrylic dentures. These types of dentures are porous and can become breeding grounds for infectious organisms if not properly disinfected.
While there are opposing opinions regarding the use of bleach, studies have shown that a 1:10 dilution of bleach to water is as effective as commercial effervescent denture-cleansing products.
- Adding a teaspoon of calcium-chelating detergent, such as Calgon, to the bleach and water solution enhances its disinfecting properties.
- Alternatively, dentures can be disinfected by soaking them in a vinegar and water solution, or
- Putting them in a microwave for three minutes once a week.
After disinfection, it is important to store dentures in a denture soaking solution overnight to maintain their cleanliness and integrity.
Caring for Your Mouth
Proper denture care goes beyond cleaning the dentures themselves; it also involves taking care of your mouth to ensure a comfortable fit and overall oral health.
Cleaning your gums is an important aspect of this care. This involves:
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a damp washcloth to gently massage your gums to remove any debris or plaque that may have accumulated
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help alleviate any discomfort or inflammation in the gums from dentures.
- Boiling sage leaves to create a soothing mouthwash can provide relief for irritated gums from dentures. Sage has antibacterial properties that can help reduce the growth of fungus and bacteria in the mouth.
- Regularly scraping or brushing your tongue and using aloe vera gel can further contribute to oral hygiene.
- In cases of a yeast infection, seeking appropriate remedies such as antifungal medications is advisable.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Apart from regular cleaning and care, there are several additional tips and considerations to keep in mind when it comes to denture maintenance:
- Replace or adjust dentures as necessary to ensure they fit properly and comfortably. Over time, changes in the mouth’s structure and gum health may require modifications to the dentures.
- Maintaining bone structure is also crucial, and this can be supported by incorporating calcium supplements or a calcium-rich diet.
- Lastly, it is always recommended to consult with a dentist before trying new treatments or remedies to ensure they are suitable for your specific needs and oral health condition.
Final Thoughts
Proper denture care is vital for maintaining optimal oral health and prolonging the lifespan of dentures. By emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, denture wearers can avoid a variety of oral health issues and enjoy the benefits of fresh breath, a confident smile, and comfortable denture use.
Through regular cleaning, disinfection, and caring for both the dentures and the mouth, individuals can ensure the longevity and effectiveness of their dentures, ultimately improving their quality of life.
It is always advisable to seek guidance from dental professionals or consult with a dentist for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
