We all know how to keep our natural teeth clean and white. It is a habit we pick up early in our lives that we carry into adulthood. We are taught by our parents the importance of brushing regularly as part of developing a routine of good oral hygiene.
Dental visits can confirm whether or not we are doing it correctly. However, for denture wearers the routine differs slightly. Brushing is still the most effective way to keep dentures clean and white,and the following tips will show you how to do this properly with your false teeth.
#1 – Brushing
As dentures are not as tough as natural teeth, brushing them regularly has to be done slightly different to how you grew up cleaning your natural teeth. Do not use regular toothpaste as that may damage your dentures. Instead, you may wish to use toothpaste specifically made for use on dentures, as these are less abrasive. In addition to using the cleaning solutions made just for dentures, baking soda or liquid dishwashing soap may be used instead, which are cheap, convenient and non-abrasive alternatives.
There are toothbrushes made just for use on dentures, or if you do not have one you can brush your dentures using a soft bristle toothbrush.
By using a non-abrasive product combined with a soft bristled denture brush, you can minimize the scratching to your false teeth. Stains attach easier to rough surfaces, so keeping your dentures as clean and polished as possible will help to keep them whiter for longer.
#2 – How To Brush
When using a soft toothbrush to whiten false teeth you must be careful to gently remove any food particles that have been caught between teeth. You should also brush in and around clips and additional hardware as well as under the pink base of the denture plate.
Because bacteria and plaque can develop on false teeth just as they do on natural teeth, you must be thorough and careful cleaning dentures. Allow yourself enough time to do the job properly and don’t forget to rinse them completely before putting false teeth back into your mouth.
#3 – Overnight Care
When it comes to learning how to whiten dentures, one of the most important steps takes place while you sleep. Since you should never wear your dentures while sleeping, and because you should also not let them dry out, you can leave them overnight soaking in a glass of water. This is important as you need to give your gums a rest. Your gums will stay strong and healthy by getting a few hours break without holding your false teeth.
It is extremely important to never allow your dentures to completely dry out. This will keep them from becoming hard and possibly breaking or chipping. Soaking them nightly will prevent this from happening.
To loosen tartar and to reduce staining, use a half water/half vinegar solution. If you prefer, use a denture cleaner and soaking solution made specifically for denture use.
#4 – Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner
When trying to get your dentures as clean as possible, another tip you can try is to use an ultrasonic cleaner.
While brushing removes a lot of the larger particles, it does not do as good a job at the microscopic level.Using an ultrasonic cleaner dislodges micro-organisms effectively, especially in all the nooks and crannies at the microscopic level.
This does not replace using a denture brush, but when used in combination, it can leave your dentures much cleaner. They are reasonably priced and are quick and easy to use.
#5 – Professional Cleaning
If you have had little success with the previous four tips when trying to whiten your false teeth, you can always have the job done professionally. By visiting your denturist, your dentures will be completely cleaned and look as they did when you first received them.
Once this process is completed, it will be up to you to keep them as clean and white as possible at home using the methods described here. But seeing a denturist you will also learn if your false teeth are in need of refitting or if you require a completely new set if they no longer fit properly.
Conclusion
When you get in the habit of cleaning your false teeth you will not only be able to keep them clean, white and smelling fresh, you will reduce the cost of maintenance. By learning to keep your dentures in good condition, you will reduce the need for replacement and added expense of doing so.
When you get in a routine of cleaning your dentures, by using the tips mentioned above, it does not take much effort to keep them looking their best. Then you will have the confidence to show them off to the world.
I didn’t know that ultrasonic cleaners could get micro-organisms better than a regular toothbrush. I was thinking that the only thing out there for small spaces was a water pick. I’ll have to consider getting one of these cleaners in the future.