Partial or complete dentures (false teeth) can replace missing teeth and improve your appearance. Dentures are designed to look natural and can be made from a variety of materials.
Although these restorations are artificial, proper care of dental prostheses is essential.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Dentures?
Plaque and food particles adhere to dentures in much the same way as they do to natural teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on dentures and teeth after eating and drinking.
If dentures are not cleaned regularly, plaque can accumulate and contribute to gum disease and bad breath.
Dentures should be cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least once a day. Even better, they should be cleaned twice daily—every morning and evening. Ideally, dentures should be cleaned after every meal.
However, do not use regular toothpaste to clean dentures. Many toothpaste brands contain ingredients that are too abrasive for removable prostheses. Over time, these abrasive particles can damage the surface of dentures, causing scratches and small cracks.
Instructions for Cleaning Dentures
- Always remove and clean dentures over a sink filled with water or over a folded towel. If you accidentally drop them, the towel or water will help protect them from impact against a hard surface.
- Remove the dentures from your mouth and rinse them with warm water.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently clean the dentures to remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Clean all surfaces of the prosthesis. You may use a denture cleanser or mild liquid soap with warm water. Brushing also helps loosen and remove any denture adhesive. After cleaning, rinse the dentures thoroughly with warm water.
- If you are going to sleep, soak the dentures overnight in warm water or a denture-soaking solution. Do not allow dentures to dry out. Dryness can cause them to lose their shape and become more brittle. Consult your dentist regarding the proper overnight care of your dentures. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and soaking solutions. Thoroughly rinse dentures before placing them back into your mouth, especially if you use a soaking solution. These products may contain chemicals that can cause vomiting, pain, or burns if swallowed. Do not soak dentures in hot water, as they may become warped.
- Do not use products containing bleach, as they may weaken dentures and alter their color.
- Do not soak dentures with metal components in solutions containing chlorine. Such solutions can tarnish and corrode metal parts.
- Although toothpaste should not be used to clean dentures, it should still be used to clean your gums and tongue. This helps maintain healthy oral tissues and prevents bad breath.
If you wear partial dentures, remember to brush and floss your remaining natural teeth every day. - Using a mouthwash may also help maintain oral health. You may remove your dentures before using mouthwash or choose a mouthwash specifically designed for denture wearers.
Proper denture care can help them last an average of 7 to 10 years.
Care Considerations for Different Types of Dentures
When using acrylic dentures, it is not recommended to consume very hard foods or sticky products such as chewing gum and caramel.
If you have been fitted with nylon dentures, it is important to remember that their flexible base may accumulate bacteria more readily. Therefore, such dentures require more thorough care and cleaning.
Metal framework (cast partial) dentures, on the other hand, are less demanding. It is sufficient to clean them after meals, and there is no need to remove them at night.
How to Care for Fixed Dental Prostheses
The care of crowns, bridges, fixed implant-supported prostheses, and similar restorations is no different from regular oral hygiene. Teeth should be brushed twice a day using a toothbrush and dental floss. In addition, you should visit your dentist twice a year for preventive examinations.
When to See a Dentist
If your denture breaks, contact your dentist. Do not attempt to repair broken dentures yourself. This may lead to further damage to the removable prosthesis. If you use denture adhesive, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the appropriate amount. Every evening, remove the adhesive from your dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush, soap, and water.
Regular dental visits are an important part of maintaining your oral health. If you wear dentures, continue scheduling routine dental check-ups every six months. You should also contact your dentist if you have any concerns about your dentures.
Schedule an appointment if you:
- experience discomfort in your mouth caused by your dentures;
- notice that your dentures fit loosely or “slip” in your mouth;
- find that they interfere with eating or speaking;
- notice visible signs of wear or damage.
You should also see your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- mouth sores;
- bleeding gums;
- bad breath.
If you develop mouth sores, it may indicate that your dentures no longer fit properly.
Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores, and infection. If repairs do not resolve the problem, your dentist may recommend a new denture.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.