You really can trust dentures to restore your smile. At their best, these prosthetics will help you eat, speak, and grin more easily. Even so, their cleaning method differs from natural teeth. You shouldn’t only brush dentures when they’re in your mouth. Instead, it’s better to take them out for thorough upkeep. Just let your Leesburg dentist explain the matter. To that end, here’s a primer on why to brush dentures outside your mouth and other ways to keep them clean.
In-Mouth Brushing is Okay, But It Isn’t Enough
To be honest, it’s okay to brush dentures while they’re in your mouth. This act shouldn’t harm your new teeth. On the contrary, it may do some good. The brushing could remove bits of plaque and debris.
However, in-mouth denture brushing isn’t enough. Your toothbrush won’t reach all the areas that need cleaning; your mouth tissues will get in the way. So, only using this method lets germs and “leftovers” build up. Such substances will then cause oral health issues – gum disease, dry mouth, bad breath, etc.
On the other hand, outside-mouth brushing does a better job. It goes over all parts of your dentures to remove their harmful bacteria. Just make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a special cleansing paste. Stiff bristles and regular toothpaste are abrasive and could damage your dentures.
How Should You Clean Dentures?
Aside from outside-mouth brushing, there are other things you should do to keep your dentures clean. These tips and tricks include the following:
- Clean Carefully – Clean your dentures while holding them over water or a towel. With this approach, the prosthetics won’t break if they fall.
- Brush Your Whole Mouth –Less bacteria will reach your dentures if you clean your whole mouth. So, remember to brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning and evening.
- Consider Using Vinegar – Soak your dentures in a vinegar mixture to remove tartar buildup. That said, dilute this mixture first; make it one part vinegar to four parts water.
- Soak Dentures Nightly – Remove your dentures nightly and soak them in a glass of water or branded solution. That way, they’ll stay moist while you sleep.
While they seem like natural teeth, don’t just brush dentures when they’re in your mouth. Remember to use outside-mouth brushing and the other tips above!
About the Practice
Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg is based in Leesburg, VA. Led by Dr. Jennifer Pham, our practice emphasizes quality dental care in a friendly locale. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, all geared toward your smile’s benefit. Naturally, our range of treatments also includes great dentures that’ll restore your full grin! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (703)-666-3867.