If you have dentures, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Why? Partial dentures, full dentures, dentures made of plastic, acrylic or those with metal components all get covered with a film of plaque when in the mouth.
So, if you have ever asked the question “How do I remove plaque from dentures?” then this article will give you some tips.
You may have thought that having false teeth or dentures means that you don’t need to worry as much about cleaning them. But regular maintenance is critical for a healthy mouth, fresh breath and to reduce damage the teeth that partial dentures rest against.
So, what is plaque?
It’s a thick film of bacteria, other microorganisms and their waste products that congregate together. You need to remove plaque from your dentures just like you need to remove plaque from your teeth, gums and even your tongue.
If your dentures are not clean, the plaque can cause irritation and infection to your gums, fungal infections of the mouth and in the case of partial dentures, there is a much higher incidence of decay on your remaining teeth. Imagine wearing the same shirt every day for years without putting it through the washing machine.
In order to remove plaque from dentures, first you need to remove the denture from your mouth. This might sound simple, but what is important here is that you get a good opportunity to clean any remaining teeth, and brush other areas including the roof of your mouth, gums and tongue. This process will make your mouth feel amazing and help with fresh breath. It is also important to leave your dentures out overnight ( in a container with water)to give your mouth a chance to rest and gums to breathe.
The simplest way to remove plaque from dentures is to use a soft toothbrush or specific denture brush and hand soap or liquid soap. The main reason for this is that regular toothbrushes and toothpastes are mildly abrasive and too harsh for use against the acrylic or plastic of the denture. Harsh scrubbing will cause fine scratches in the surface and lead to premature wear.
It is also important to be careful handling your denture while cleaning to avoid dropping and damaging it. This can be prevented if your hold your dentures over a basin partially filled with water or a wet hand towel.
If you have a full denture, or a partial denture with plastic or metal clasps the principle is still the same.
Use cold or lukewarm water ONLY as hot water can cause distortion of some modern denture materials, particularly flexible dentures.
Clean every single surface of the denture. Outside, inside, biting surface, fitting surface, teeth, inside of clasps, outside of clasps, and against any surfaces that contact natural teeth. You may be able to get smaller denture brush, or a kid’s toothbrush to access difficult areas. It is challenging to remove plaque from dentures because it is often hard to see, but it is important to brush every area thoroughly but gently.
There is even a great Australian invention called Dr Mark’s HyGenie that can assist with cleaning and storage of dentures and other devices for those with dexterity issues or in an aged care setting.
Using specialised cleaning tablets to remove plaque from dentures is another option, however it is important to brush them first, as tablets will not be effective unless the bulk of the buildup is gone.
Using a denture cleaning tablet once or twice per week is sufficient to help reduce staining. Another option to soak them in diluted white vinegar (one part vinegar to 2 parts water) for stain and scale removal.
DO NOT use vinegar or denture cleaning tablets on dentures with METAL parts as they are acidic can cause corrosion.
Your dental professional can also clean and polish your dentures when you attend for regular examinations. They have access to ultrasonic cleaners and can achieve a high shine on your denture that will help repel future staining. It is also a good opportunity to check them for firmness of fit, comfort, and to make any adjustments that may be necessary.
A clean denture is just as important as clean natural teeth and it only takes a few minutes twice a day to get a great result. As always, ask your dentist for specific advice, or a demonstration on how to look after your denture.
