Dentures are one of the most popular methods of replacing missing teeth, mainly due to their cost-effectiveness coupled with their realistic look and feel. And although they’re durable and can last for several years, it’s heavily dependent on your willingness to take proper care of them! One question that comes up often for new patients with dentures is how they’re supposed to brush their dentures; is it okay to clean them while they’re inside your mouth? Keep reading to learn why this might not be a great idea, along with some tips for cleaning them the correct way.
Can I Brush My Dentures While Wearing Them?
The short answer here is yes, you can brush your dentures while you’re wearing them—but it isn’t always going to be the best way to go about cleaning them. If you’re going to clean your dentures in this manner, it’s crucial that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and skip the toothpaste, as many commercial brands can actually damage your dentures. But in reality, you should remove your dentures from your mouth if you need to give them a good and deep cleaning; not only is this more effective, but it also saves you time in the long run!
Tips for Cleaning Your Dentures the Right Way
Since a key part of taking care of your dentures is keeping them clean and hygienic inside of your mouth, you’ll want to ensure that you’re doing things the correct way. Here are some tips to help you out if you’re going to remove your dentures to clean them:
- After removing your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized denture cleaning paste to clean them of food debris and plaque.
- Clean your dentures over a basin half-filled with water, or leaning over a soft towel; this way, your dentures likely won’t break if you drop them.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every morning and evening to ensure that your mouth is fresh for receiving your dentures.
- If your dentures accumulate a build-up of tartar, you can soak them in a mixture of vinegar water (one part vinegar to four parts water).
- Remove your dentures before you go to bed every night and keep them in a glass of water or denture solution to ensure their moistness.
If you encounter difficulties cleaning your dentures or they’re becoming uncomfortable to wear, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist. Keeping them clean is the best way to ensure that they last and provide you with a functional and beautiful smile for many years to come.
About the Practice
The team at Glastonbury Dental Associates is honored to serve the dental needs of the Glastonbury area under the leadership of four skilled specialists: Dr. Marc Scoles, Dr. Jonathan Susat, Dr. Julia Karpman, and Dr. Matthew Scoles. Together they combine several decades of collective experience to provide patients with an exceptional level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer many available services including dentures. If you have any questions about dentures or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone: (860) 633-3671.