How to Clean and Store Your Dentures the Right Way

Dentures are artificially made, but the smile they give is genuine. Help yourself extend the longevity of a beaming smile and maintain your oral health by knowing how to do a proper denture clean-up and maintenance.

Here's a simple guide on what to do (and what not to do) when cleaning and storing your dentures for a pain-free and comfortable set of teeth.

1. Remove your denture for a fresh rinse

   I know you love your denture so much, but you have to take it off to give it a good wash. Rinse it gently with running water to eliminate trapped scraps of food and other particles. It is suggested that you rinse your denture every after you eat for your own comfort. Loose debris in your teeth can cause tooth decay, bad cavities, and infection if you leave them there lying around for a long time.

2. Brush with soft bristles

   To reach the nooks and crannies, use a brush with soft bristles to carefully clear out small particles from your denture. Don’t use hard and stiff-bristled brushes, as they can easily damage and scratch your denture. Also, don’t use regular toothpaste to clean it. Instead, look for denture toothpaste or cleanser that is prescribed by your dentist. These are designed to take good care of your denture as you give them a scrub. Brush your dentures at least once every day!

3. Clean your mouth

   Of course, cleaning your mouth is always a must, with or without dentures. Maintaining your overall oral health is beneficial to both of you and your denture. Regularly brush and floss to take out tiny food scraps and other buildups that are stuck in your teeth. These unwanted particles can speed up the deterioration of your denture. Save lots of time and money by not letting them accumulate and cause bigger problems such as tooth decay and gum infection. Prevent bad dental complications with good oral hygiene.

4. Soak dentures overnight

   You and your denture deserve a good night’s rest. For your denture, it needs to remain moist so it can still be in its proper shape the following day. Soak your denture in water or in denture solutions approved by your dentist overnight. Don’t use hot or boiling water. Dentures are typically made from acrylic resin, which is plastic, and hot water can distort them out of shape. Also, don’t put your denture in solutions with bleach, as they can be very damaging and cause discoloration. Bleach can also weaken the metal attachments in some kinds of denture, so it’s a no-no.

5. Rinse your denture before wearing it back

   Mild soaking solutions contain chemicals that are good for your denture but not for you. Thoroughly rinse your dentures before putting them back in your mouth, especially if you soaked them in a solution. The chemicals in a denture solution can cause pain, burns, or vomiting if swallowed. Wash out these chemicals by rinsing them with running water.

6. Regular dental checkups

   Keep in touch with your dentist, regardless of whether you feel discomfort with your denture or not. Book a consultation if you experience pain or irritation. Loose dentures commonly cause sores and infections in the mouth as they scratch against your soft gums and tissues when you move. So you better get your denture checked and adjusted immediately before the problem worsens.

More information on Dentures at Embrace Dental Care

Save yourself from uncomfortable and worn-out dentures through proper cleaning and maintenance. Treat them like a body part that also needs your care and attention.

Ask questions and learn more about dentures by contacting us at Embrace Dental Care. We’re always here to help you and transform your queries into a smile.