President George Washington wore false teeth made of ivory that were mostly just for show and had an unfortunate tendency to develop foul odors. Thankfully, modern dentures are made from high-quality materials according to precise measurements that allow them to fit comfortably and restore a significant amount of the patient’s chewing power. While it might be tempting to wear these devices for days on end, this can lead to serious oral health problems. Here’s a guide to proper daily cleaning and soaking practices for dentures.
Why Should I Remove My Dentures Every Day?
After you get used to wearing your dentures, you should find that they are remarkably comfortable. While this might make it seem like you can leave them in for long periods of time, it is imperative that they are removed, cleaned, and soaked for at least eight hours a day to eliminate buildups of plaque and food debris and give your mouth time to rest and clean itself.
Neglecting to remove and clean your dentures regularly can cause accumulations of plaque, food debris, and sugary residue to form between the appliance and the gums, which can lead to bad breath, soft tissue irritation, and destructive oral infections such as periodontitis. This advanced form of gum disease can lead to soft tissue and bone erosion that can make it necessary to replace your appliance sooner, and it may also cause dangerous secondary infections like sepsis and pneumonia.
How Should I Clean My Dentures Every Day?
When you remove your dentures to clean them, it’s a great idea to fill your sink with lukewarm water and place folded towels across your countertop to create a cushion in case you drop them. Then, carefully take your dentures from your mouth, thoroughly rinse them, and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and a small amount of gel-type toothpaste, mild dish soap, or an approved denture cleaner.
After brushing, carefully floss the artificial teeth and place the device in a vessel with water or denture-soaking solution. This will prevent your appliance from drying out and losing its fit while it is out of your mouth. Always rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in after soaking, as denture-cleaning chemicals are not meant to be digested.
Don’t let your dentures develop unsightly stains and odors and cause nasty oral infections. By giving your appliance proper maintenance and care, you can help it last for seven years or more.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific before serving in the US Army Dental Corps. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Northern Nevada Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Sparks offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact his office online or dial (775) 626-3535.