If you are one of the millions of Australians who wear dentures, you understand the importance of keeping them clean and in good shape. Caring properly for your dentures keeps your mouth healthy and lengthens the life of your denture set. 

Whether you are new to wearing dentures or have been cleaning false teeth for years, it is always a good idea to refresh your denture care routine and make sure you are covering all the basics of denture hygiene. Read on to make sure you know how to clean dentures properly. Not doing so can leave your dentures stained or misshapen and make you sick. 

Risks of Improper Denture Care

Although dentures are artificial, you still need to care for them as you would for natural teeth. There are several risks to cleaning false teeth improperly, which can negatively affect your dentures and your health. 

• Fungus

Fungal infections are one of the most frequent consequences of improper denture care. Thrush, a type of fungal infection, is common in people who wear dentures and do not clean them the right way. Thrush can grow on the roof of your mouth as well as underneath the dentures and cause itching, discomfort, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

• Mouth ulcers

Food particles that get trapped between your gums and dentures can scratch your mouth and cause painful mouth ulcers and irritation. 

• Staining

Failure to clean your dentures will also result in discolouration and staining. You cannot use whitening toothpaste or bleach on dentures, so this discolouration may be permanent and leave your dentures looking old and worn. 

• Warping, wear and tear

Using water that is too hot can warp and twist your dentures, causing them to fit incorrectly, which increases the chances of mouth sores and fungal infections. Using the wrong brush or chemicals while cleaning false teeth can wear down the dentures or cause damage to their appearance as well.

• Brush morning and night

Brush your dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush, such as a baby toothbrush, every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed. Do not use toothpaste on your dentures. Instead, use a denture cleaning solution or soap and water. Rinse your dentures after brushing.

• Handle your dentures Carefully

Dentures are expensive, so make sure to handle them carefully to prevent damage. Use a soft, clean towel when taking your dentures out at night. 

• Rinse your dentures with warm water

At night when you take your dentures out, rinse them with warm or cool water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, or it can warp the shape of your denture plate. 

• Soak your dentures

Leave your dentures in lukewarm or room temperature water overnight. Alternatively, you can soak them in a denture-soaking solution or a combination of equal parts white vinegar and water. The goal is to keep your dentures wet while they aren’t in your mouth. Dryness can cause dentures to become brittle or warp. Soaking also helps loosen tartar buildup, making them easier to brush. 

• Brush your gums

It is a good idea to keep your mouth clean in addition to cleaning your dentures. Just as you would with natural teeth, brush your gums or remaining teeth if you have partial dentures twice a day with normal toothpaste. This keeps your gums healthy and provides a clean base for your dentures. 

Bonus Tips on How to Clean Dentures Properly

Aside from cleaning your dentures twice daily, the following are recommended tips for maintaining and encouraging appropriate cleaning habits. 

• Rinse after every meal

It is a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing off your dentures after every meal. This reduces the risk of food becoming stuck underneath them and causing thrush or oral lesions. 

• Don’t sleep with your dentures on

Sleeping with your dentures on is not advised. They may become dried out or interfere with your breathing. Take them out each night before bed and put them in the appropriate solution.

• When to see your dentist 

If your dentures break or become misshapen, don’t wait a long time for repairs or try to fix them yourself. Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you have any problems with your dentures, as broken dentures could damage the soft tissue in your mouth.

Book a Consultation

If you have any further questions about how to clean dentures or need to see a dentist about getting your dentures fitted, the Dental Spot can help. The Dental Spot is run by a team of experienced dentists in Croydon, who are happy to assist you with your denture needs. Book your consultation online or call (02) 9158 6115.