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 How
often should I clean my dentures?
 It
is important to treat your dentures like you would treat your natural
teeth. They should be kept as clean as possible to prevent further
tooth loss, inflamed gums, or bacterial and fungal infections. We
usually recommend that you clean them thoroughly twice a day, and
after eating when necessary.
How should I clean
them?
The
general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over
a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your
dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Soak the
dentures in a specialist cleaner for a short time if you prefer and
then brush the dentures again - as you would your own teeth, being
careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface.
Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the
surface which comes into contact with your gums. This is especially
important if you use any kind of denture fixative.
What should I use to
clean my dentures?
There
are many different denture-cleaning products. However, most dentists
still recommend a small- to medium- headed toothbrush to reach into
the awkward corners, or a soft nailbrush, and ordinary soap. Soaking
solutions can often help to remove staining and bacteria. We do not
recommend that you use these solutions overnight.
Is there anything I
should avoid?
It
is important not to use any type of bleaching product to clean your
dentures. Bleaching can lead to weakening of the denture as well as
making it look unsightly. Do not use very hot water to soak the denture.
Again, it can weaken the denture causing it to break.
What should I do if
I have a soft lining?
Some
people have sensitive gums and may need a softer lining made for their
dentures. If you have one of these special linings, it is important
to check with your dentist before using any cleaning products or fixatives
as some products can damage the lining.
What if I have a metal
denture?
Some
commercial cleaning products can damage metal dentures, so it is important
to discuss cleaning options with your dentist if you have these. If
your denture has clasps, you need to take particular care when cleaning
to avoid damage.
Are there any special
products I should use?
There
are some specialist products available for cleaning your dentures,
including special brushes, cleaning pastes and soaking solutions.
However, you should use these carefully and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions. If you are not sure which products to use, ask your
dentist.
Should I remove my
dentures at night?
Most
dentists recommend removing your dentures at night to give your mouth
a chance to rest. If you remove your dentures, it is important to
leave them in water to prevent any warping or cracking.
Can my dentist clean
them?
Some
people do build up tartar on their dentures just as they would on
their natural teeth. If plaque is not removed properly, it can react
with your saliva and harden into tartar. As with your own teeth, you
will not be able to remove this tartar completely yourself and eventually
it can make the denture uncomfortable and unsightly. Your dentist
will be able to remove this tartar using a professional cleaning machine.
What can I do about
staining?
Like
natural teeth, dentures can pick up staining every day. This is especially
true if you smoke, or drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine. In most
cases you should be able to remove this staining with regular cleaning.
However, more stubborn stains may take a little more cleaning, which
your dentist should be able to help with.
Do I still need to
see the dentist?
It
is important to visit your dentist regularly even if you don’t
have any of your natural teeth. Dentists do not only check teeth,
but also the soft parts of the mouth, including the tongue and cheeks.
These examinations are just as important, so the dentist can spot
any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest
stages. Your dentist will be able to tell you how often you should
visit. |
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