Thanks to dentures, millions of people with missing teeth have been granted the restored appearance and function of the ideal smile. Whether a patient has had teeth extracted by a necessary procedure, or has lost them over the years through the aging process, false teeth provide patients a less invasive approach to restoring the oral anatomy. 

In contrast to the permanence of other procedures such as dental bridges or implants, which are fused into the foundation of the smile, dentures are temporary and therefore very flexible. Allowing patients to remove their false teeth when necessary, coming with a sense of responsibility. 

Dentures are a commitment, and their maintenance becomes a core component of your daily oral care routine. 

To better understand the responsibility associated with false teeth, let’s uncover why they need to be cleaned and the best method to do so. 

Being removable and temporary members of your mouth, false teeth require tender love and care to ensure their integrity is maintained. This means they must be removed in order to be thoroughly cleansed of bacteria buildup and food debris which accumulate throughout your daily activities. 

If false teeth aren’t consistently and thoroughly cleaned, they will deteriorate much quicker than intended, although well taken care of dentures may last up to a decade! 

Beyond that, sporting false teeth which house ample bacteria buildup will likely cause an unpleasant odor and lead to infections and health complications once it spreads to your natural remaining teeth and gum tissue.

The Cleaning Process

Let’s go over the standard cleaning and storing process for false teeth, universally recommended by professionals throughout the dental industry. Please keep in mind, every denture is unique, and its important to keep in close communication with your dental professional- strictly following any instructions specific to you which may differ from the norm.

Remove and Rinse

Ensure to remove your false teeth after a meal, and thoroughly but carefully rinse them under running water to remove food debris and bacteria. Be mindful to avoid bending or damaging the plastic or clasps in this process. As they are delicate and could potentially break if you drop them accidently, it’s recommended to place a towel directly under them to soften a potential fall.

Don’t Forget What Nature Gave You!

Once removed, it’s important to not neglect cleaning your natural teeth and surrounding areas! Thoroughly brush your natural teeth, and don’t forget your tongue, cheeks, and palate as well! For patients utilizing denture adhesive, ensure to remove it from your gums during this stage.

Time To Clean Your False Teeth

It’s crucial to soak and then gently brush the surface and crevasses of your false teeth with a soft bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser in order to more vigorously remove any unwanted debris. Remember to also clean the grooves of the dentures which sit against your gums and never use any denture designed cleanser within your actual mouth!

An Overnight Soak

The vast majority of false teeth require a moist environment to maintain their shape. When outside of your smile, especially for substantial periods such as overnight, it’s necessary to soak them in water or a mild denture-soaking solution. It’s recommended to coordinate with your dentist to best understand the instructions for storing dentures overnight, while reading manufacturer instructions printed upon cleaning and soaking solutions is also beneficial.

Rinse and Repeat

Once you’re ready to place your false teeth back inside your mouth, you must remember to thoroughly rinse them with water. This is due to the chemicals contained in the solution they soak in, as they can cause discomfort, pain, burning, and vomiting if ingested. 

Don’t Forget Your Dentist!

While committing to and juggling this process, it’s encouraged to continuously communicate with your dental professional. This includes remaining observant of any changes or inconsistencies on behalf of your false teeth, especially if they are loose which is the frequent culprit for irritation, sores, and even infection. Additionally, ensure to participate in your routine checkups, granting your professional the ability to constantly keep a keen eye on your smiles journey.

Now that you’re aware of the industry standard method to clean false teeth, there remain a few methods and products to avoid, due to their tendency to damage dentures.

Hot Water

Boiling water, or liquid that’s hot enough, could warp the shape of your dentures. This is dangerous, as your false teeth were curated in a specific way to best fit into and serve the needs of your unique smile, and their shape should be upheld for as long as possible!

Whitening Toothpastes

The colour of false teeth is conveniently chosen during their development in your first few visits. This allows these new teeth to best match the complexion of any existing teeth, and therefore, dentures seldom need to be whitened through store bought kits or tooth pastes. Be mindful to avoid these teeth whitening products, as they contain peroxide which does little to change the colour of any denture. 

It’s also worth mentioning the dangers of products containing bleach! Bleach weakens the integrity of the dentures and pollutes their colour. Avoid soaking dentures, especially those with metal attachments, in solutions containing chlorine- as it will corrode its materials. 

Abrasive Materials

Dentures provide a resilient function, but can be delicate in nature. It’s recommended to avoid stiff-bristled toothbrushes when cleaning them! Furthermore, Strong cleansers and harsh tooth pastes can prove extremely abrasive and result in more harm than good. 

If you’re considering teeth replacement methods such as dentures, or want to learn more about the process behind them as well as further knowledge regarding their maintenance, we are eager to help you out! Please contact our office, or book an appointment with our knowledgeable team members today.