How to Clean Your Dentures in 5 Steps

If you’re new to the wonderful world of dentures, welcome! Dentures are an incredible way to show off your smile, regain some confidence, and enjoy foods you may have missed due to your prior dental issues. 

Garcia Dental Care wants to make sure your new smile stays as fresh as the first day you brought your dentures home, so we’ve put together a few tips on how to maintain them properly. 

Meticulous care is vital to keeping your dental prosthetics clean and stain-free, and proper maintenance can prolong the life of your dentures. 

Quick Steps to Clean Dentures  

The dentist will provide comprehensive cleaning instructions when you bring your dentures home for the first time.

Here are Garcia Dental Centre’s 5 easy steps to clean dentures: 

Step 1: Protection 

Dentures are easily damaged, and patients should take special care to avoid chipping or breakage. We recommend placing a towel on the counter, directly in the sink, or filling the sink with water. This step will help ensure your dentures are protected if dropped accidentally. 

Remember to handle your dentures gently; be extra cautious to prevent bending the plastic or attachments.

Step 2: Rinsing 

Thoroughly rinsing your dentures helps remove excess food particles and debris. Rinse your dentures carefully under warm water to remove food particles, and diligently ensure all traces of dental adhesive are removed from the surface. 

Remember to use warm water only! Hot water could potentially warp your dentures. 

If you are having difficulties removing the adhesive, place your dentures in ice water. This additional step helps harden the smaller bits of adhesive, making them easier to remove. 

Step 3: Disinfection 

Dentures contain high counts of bacteria that can cause infection if not properly cleaned. 

At Garcia Dental Centre, we recommend soaking your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution for a minimum of 30 minutes, or even overnight. 

Some patients create their own disinfectant by using a simple mixture of water and vinegar. Our team does not recommend using vinegar for certain types of dentures, as it may cause damage to some metals. 

If you have questions about the ideal solution for your dentures and smile, reach out to us for additional guidance. 

You may have heard that microwaving your full or metal-free dentures can be an effective sanitation tool, and this technique has been proven to eliminate MRSA on dental prosthetics. 

However, although convenient, studies have shown that frequent microwaving can affect the lifespan of your dentures. 

Step 4: Brushing 

Plaque and bacteria can form on your dentures, just like they would on your natural teeth. Daily brushing helps remove plaque, food particles, and keeps your dentures shiny and stain-free. 

Choose your weapons wisely! You’ll need special tools to brush your dentures: 

• A soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush: Soft is the keyword here; you want to avoid unnecessary damage or wear to your dentures. When brushing, use a gentle technique and work carefully to ensure no parts are bent or altered during cleaning. 
• A specialized denture cleaner or gel: Regular toothpaste is not recommended for dentures, along with other harsh products like bleach or baking soda. These types of products can scratch or damage dental prosthetics, inviting bacteria growth.

If you have questions about the correct type of brush or cleanser for your dentures, contact our team at Garcia Dental Centre. 

Step 5: Soaking 

Dentures rely on moisture, and patients should take special care to avoid drying them out. Soaking dentures overnight in warm water or a denture-soaking solution is just the trick to maintaining your denture’s shape. 

Remember to thoroughly rinse your dentures before putting them back in your mouth, especially if you use a denture cleaner. Denture cleaners may contain chemicals that can cause harm if swallowed. 

Tips & Tricks 

Here are a few additional tips and tricks to help ensure the longevity of your dentures: 

• Brush your dentures daily (or more)! 

• • Don’t forget to clean your mouth: After removing your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush on your remaining natural teeth, your tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth. 
  • Routine dental care is essential: Visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can examine your dentures, ensure a correct fit, determine your overall oral health, and provide professional cleaning. 
  • Keep it tight: Book an appointment with your dentist right away if you notice your dentures loosening. Ill-fitting dentures can irritate the mouth, causing sores and infection. 
  • Avoid abrasives: Stick with soft-bristled brushes, and avoid abrasive toothpaste that can result in damage or wear to your dentures. 

• Avoid whiteners: Bleach-containing products like whitening toothpaste can weaken your dentures and cause discolouration. 

We Love to See You Smile 

Keep up the great work! Your dentures will last a long time if you: 

• Practice excellent oral hygiene
• Keep up with denture care
• Maintain regular appointments with your dentist

If you have questions about caring for your dentures, want to discuss your oral health or require a re-fitting for your dental prosthetics, contact our team at Garcia Dental Care. 

We’re a compassionate and experienced practice that loves seeing our patient’s happy and healthy smiles. 

Reach out to us today!