Dentures are not a modern invention. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when the nobility opted to use ceramics and animal bones as a replacement for their lost teeth. However, with the lack of proper hygiene practices back then, it was more difficult to maintain the quality and cleanliness of their dentures.
Fortunately today, the field of dentistry has greatly improved with its use of novel materials and techniques in creating safer and better dentures. However, once you’ve worn them, the responsibility to clean and maintain them still falls on the hands of the owner.
Whether you’re new to dentures or have been wearing them for years, you must constantly practise proper cleaning habits for your dentures to keep them in good condition and to protect your teeth from infections.
Steps in Properly Cleaning Dentures
At the end of the day, when you’ve already had all your meals, taking out your dentures for a good scrubbing is a must. However, to avoid damaging it, you have to be careful with the chemicals and techniques that you are using.
Not only will you have to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar, but also the chemical adhesive on it. To make sure that you don’t have to constantly visit a dental office in Oshawa for replacement dentures, be sure to follow these steps:
- Prep the bathroom
To ensure that your cleaning routine goes smoothly and something will catch your dentures in case they fall, prepare your sink by filling it with hot water and placing towels on its edge and on the floor.
- Gargle up
Gargling a glass of lukewarm water will loosen up the denture adhesive so it’s easier for the actual removal. - Remove the dentures
Carefully pull out the dentures using your thumb and middle finger in a gentle back and forth motion. Do this slowly to avoid hurting your gums. - Rinse
Wash and clean your dentures with hot or cold running water to flush out any food particles.
- Brush slowly
Using a soft-bristled brush and low-abrasive toothpaste, slowly remove the plaque and tartar build-up from your dentures.
- Remove remaining adhesive
Proceed with cleaning your gums by gargling warm water with salt that will soften any remaining denture adhesive. Use a clean towel or washcloth to scrape off any stubborn residue. - Soak the dentures
Soak the dentures in a cleaning solution overnight to prevent any bacterial growth while it’s not in your mouth. - Rinse again before using
Once you wake up; rinse your dentures with warm water before you wear them again.
Avoid Using These Things
Any set of dentures from London, no matter how expensive the materials, will always be subject to wear and tear. However, the effects brought by time and usage can be slowed down by avoiding certain factors that may hasten its damage.
These denture wreckers are the things that you may often overlook but causes the most wear to your dentures. So, keep track of these things and try to avoid them when you’re trying to clean your dentures in the future:
- Abrasive Materials
As mentioned earlier, too much friction applied to your dentures can damage their coating and structure. So, when you’re cleaning it, try to avoid overly-abrasive toothpaste, toothbrush, and towels. Switch to softer and milder formulas to avoid prematurely chipping or scratching it. - Whitening Paste
- Whitening toothpaste for your ordinary teeth has a different effect on your dentures. Since your teeth are made of enamel, the chemicals used to whiten them are much stronger than those for dentures. In short, using the same whitening toothpaste for both your dentures and teeth can damage the former’s coating as it’s made of different materials.
- Bleach
Never use bleach to soak or rinse your dentures. Chemically corrosive and highly abrasive, this industrial-grade cleanser can speed up the deterioration of your dentures in no time.
The residue will also cling to the dentures that will leave an aftertaste on your mouth, or worse, slowly poison you in the process. - Scalding Water
Water is useful in rinsing your dentures as it can help in cleaning them and loosening up any adhesive or food particle that has stubbornly stuck. However, you don’t have to go overboard by using scalding and boiling water to soak your dentures.
Doing so will only warp and affect its structure. So, always remember that the keyword is lukewarm, not boiling.
Regular Denture Maintenance Check
Dentures, as much as you want them to be, will not last long compared to other options. This is the reason why dental implant surgery procedures are offered by implant dentists in Oakville, or throughout Canada, as an alternative to dentures and they will tell you that even though you don’t use your dentures that often, they will still need regular maintenance checks.
As time passes by, your denture will slowly have a chip and crack, which could leave pore-like holes where bacteria and pathogens may grow. These biofilms could be inhaled by your body, which could lead to respiratory and oral infections.
To avoid this from happening, make sure to visit your local dentist at cin dental
or similar clinics for adjustments, maintenance, cleaning, and replacements. Visiting your dentist regularly can also help you detect any underlying oral health conditions before they get worse.
To sum up, keep your dentures in good condition by regularly cleaning them after a day’s use. Doing so can help you prevent any damage to both your teeth and dentures. It can also help you avoid any infections. So, make sure to follow all these tips to prolong the integrity of your dentures and keep your mouth healthy. And, if you require more advice or help regarding your dentures, never hesitate to visit your dentist.