Denture care

Sun July 6th 2014

Cleaning your dentures every day is one of the most important things you can do to help your smile keep its attractive appearance. If you don’t, plaque can form on dentures, making them less bright. Plus, failure to clean your dentures regularly can result in staining and denture odour, as well.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Dentures can break, so always fill the sink with water, then clean your dentures over the sink, just in case they slip out of your hands accidently.
• Altrnatively, you can place a facecloth in the sink to avoid any possible chance of the dentures breaking if they are dropped.
• Rinse your dentures thoroughly to remove food debris after you eat. Use cool or warm water. But not boiling water since it can distort your dentures.
• Apply a denture liquid soap or denture cleaning paste to a moistened denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use ordinary toothpaste, bleach, vinegar or soap unless directed to do so by your dental professional.
• Brush all surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, as they can damage the denture material.
• Rinse dentures well under the tap to remove all traces of soap or cleaning paste.
• While you sleep at night, soak your dentures in denture cleanser or salt water.
• Brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled regular toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.
• To give your mouth an extra, fresh clean feeling, rinse with a mouthwash.