Think brushing your dentures while they’re still in your mouth is harmless? Guess again. You want your new teeth to stay healthy and fresh, but you also want to cut down on the time you spend caring for them. Unfortunately, this kind of shortcut may cause more trouble than you realize. Instead of putting your gums and oral health at risk, keep reading to learn why it’s better to remove your dentures when cleaning your smile.
Why Do Dentists Recommend Removing Dentures When Cleaning?
You can clean your dentures while they’re still in your mouth, but don’t expect your artificial teeth to get the thorough maintenance they need. Dentists explain that removing them is better because it benefits your prosthetics and your oral health.
With your dentures out of your mouth, you can clean every surface and ensure no bacteria, saliva, or harmful particles remain. It’s too easy for germs to become trapped beneath these prosthetics, especially as they sit on your gums. By removing them and giving them the cleaning they deserve, you can reduce your risk of gum disease and inflammation.
What is the Proper Way to Clean Your Dentures?
After cleaning your gums and any natural teeth with regular toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can follow these few guidelines to protect your dentures and keep them healthy long-term:
- Place a towel in your sink basin to prevent damage if they slip out of your hands.
- Use a soft-bristled or denture-specific brush and a nonabrasive cleaning paste to remove food debris and plaque from every surface. Do this twice a day.
- Rinse them with lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can warp the materials and make your dentures fit poorly. Always rinse your dentures after you eat.
- Set them in a protective case but don’t close it. Let them air-dry briefly before reinserting them. You can also place them in a soaking solution if you plan to go to bed. This will keep them moist and help prevent breakage from brittleness.
Your new smile deserves your full attention, not a shortcut. If you want to protect your dentures and oral health, take the necessary steps to keep them clean and fresh. Your smile will thank you.
About the Author
Dr. Erin Prach is a well-respected dentist in Casper who earned her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. By treating patients with tooth loss, she can help them envision a more attractive smile and explain how replacement options like dentures can help. If you are considering these prosthetics to rebuild your appearance, visit our website or call (307) 337–4770 to schedule an appointment.