Cleaning a Denture Regularly Can Save Your Oral Health

At Yukon Dentistry, located in Whitehorse, YT, we provide patients with a wide selection of dentures--or false teeth--including:

• Full dentures--also known as complete dentures
• Partial dentures--including fixed partial denture appliances, like a bridge
• Dentures supported by dental implants
• Removable dentures
• Immediate dentures

If you're missing teeth, then you need to call our Yukon Dentistry team for a free consultation today. We are always ready to help you choose the best tooth-replacement option for you. Call us today at 867-668-3909 or reach us online here.

Regardless of which denture you choose, you'll need to remain committed to good oral hygiene. That includes caring for your remaining natural teeth in addition to daily denture care. Here, our knowledgeable team will tell you everything you need to know about how to clean your dentures.

Why Clean Your Dentures?

Denture wearers need to clean dentures and their existing natural teeth daily to remove plaque and to keep the teeth, tongue, and gums healthy. Otherwise, food debris can buildup and cause bad breath, cavities, gum disease, irritation, and other oral issues.

What products do I need for proper denture cleaning?

Following our team's expert advice on proper denture care could save the health of your mouth and allow you to enjoy your false teeth for many years to come. So, let us tell you which things you'll need to keep stocked in your bathroom vanity for proper care:

• A denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush
• ADA-approved denture-cleaning products, like a denture cleanser or denture-soaking solution
• A non-abrasive toothpaste (never use a harsh toothpaste, like whitening toothpastes)

Having the right products is the first step in proper denture and mouth care. Next, we'll explain how to clean your dentures to remove food debris and bacteria (of which there are approximately 6 billion in our mouths!).

Do I need to clean my false teeth every day?

Denture wearers need to clean their dentures every day. Here's what we recommend to keep both your natural teeth and false teeth looking brilliant:

• Remove and rinse dentures after eating to remove food particles.
• Brush your dentures, natural teeth, gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush daily to remove plaque and denture adhesive.
• Soak dentures overnight in a dentures cleaning solution (follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging).
• See your dentist every 6 months for regular check ups and cleanings.

Steps for Proper Denture Care

Whether you have partial dentures or complete dentures, the process is the same. Let's walk through a denture care routine now:

• Carefully remove dentures.
• Brush dentures carefully using a soft-bristled brush, non-abrasive cleaning materials, and warm water to remove loose food particles.
• If you have a partial denture with metal clasps, be sure to gently brush those, too.
• After your false teeth are completely clean, store them overnight in a dental professional-approved denture cleaning solution.
• Next, brush your gums, natural teeth, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with toothpaste to remove denture adhesive and stimulate circulation. Don't forget to floss, too!
• Rinse your mouth with warm water or a quality mouthwash.

And that's it! Denture upkeep can easily become a part of your nightly routine.

What should I avoid when caring for my false teeth?

Damaged or broken dentures can cause serious discomfort. That's why it's important to avoid products or behaviors that might weaken dentures. For example, never rinse or brush false teeth in hot or boiling water, as hot water can warp your appliance. Instead, opt for warm water when caring for your dentures.

Try to keep your dentures moist. When dentures dry out, they become brittle. In turn, your false teeth will not last as long. Therefore, properly storing your dentures in warm salt water or denture cleansers overnight will keep your appliance functioning longer.

Avoid harmful chemicals and strong cleansers, like bleach-containing products. Bleaching products damage oral appliances and tarnish metal attachments. Prevent damage by using only dentist-approved or gentle solutions, like hydrogen peroxide.

Dentures in Whitehorse, YT

At Yukon Dentistry, it is our pleasure to assist you along every step of the dentures journey. From ensuring proper denture fit to maintaining dentures daily, we can make a difference in your life.

Contact our team today for your free denture consultation. New and existing patients can reach us at 867-668-3909 or online now.