Now that you
have your new denture/s it is important to keep them clean. It is vital that
you treat them as you would your natural teeth. Thorough cleaning can prevent
gum inflammation and bacterial or fungal infections. It is recommended that you
clean them TWICE a day, once in morning after you have eaten breakfast and last
thing at night.
Cleaning Your Dentures
- When cleaning
your dentures make sure that you clean them over a bowl of water in case you
drop them in the sink. Ensure that you clean all the surfaces of the dentures,
including the surfaces which are in contact with your gums. Avoid scrubbing too
hard as this may damage the denture surface.
- There are many different denture
cleaning products available, but most dentists still recommend a small headed
soft toothbrush and ordinary unscented soap. Specialist soaking solutions can
help in removing staining and bacteria. However we do not recommend that you
use these solutions overnight or on a regular basis.
- It is important NOT to use
any type of bleaching product as this in time can weaken the denture as well as
altering the colour of the pink acrylic and tooth shade.
Cleaning Dentures with Soft Lining
- If your denture
has a soft lining (your dentist will tell you if you have one) you may have to
check with the dentist before using any cleaning or fixative products as they
may damage the lining.
Cleaning Metal Dentures
- You may have a
metal denture in which case the cleaning procedure remains the same. However it
is ESSENTIAL that you DO NOT leave them in any soaking solutions for longer
than 10 MINUTES as some commercial products can damage metal. Always refer to
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Leaving Dentures Out at Night
- We recommend
removing your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. If you do remove
your dentures make sure you place them in a container of plain water. This
prevents the acrylic from drying out and cracking.
Regular Dental Visits
- If you have a
full set of false teeth it is still important to visit your dentist regularly
as other areas of your mouth are routinely checked. These include the soft
parts like your tongue and cheeks. Any mouth infections or conditions can
therefore be picked up at the earliest stage.