As one of the most popular and reliable methods for replacing missing teeth, dentures offer a lifelike and long-lasting answer for enjoying your smile again. To keep them healthy and strong, you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene every day, including brushing and rinsing them with mouthwash. You might wonder, however, if you can keep your prosthetics inside during your cleaning routine. Keep reading to learn how you should properly care for your dentures to make the most of them.
Is It Okay to Brush Your Dentures While They’re Inside Your Mouth?
Although you can brush your dentures while having them in your mouth, it doesn’t mean you should. Typically, by simply using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap, you can easily clean away any food particles, debris, plaque, and bacteria without needing to remove them. That said, you will end up leaving the bottom side of your prosthetics uncleaned, which is where germs can easily accumulate on the gums. To save time and avoid complications, it’s best to take them out first.
Tips on Cleaning Dentures Properly
Keeping your dentures healthy is quite easy as long as you implement the proper methods. Here are several tips for maintaining your prosthetics:
- Brush your dentures over a soft towel or a water-filled sink to prevent damage
- Remember to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth
- Store them in denture cleanser overnight to keep them fresh and bacteria-free
- Use special denture cleaning paste or mild dish soap, NOT regular toothpaste
- Avoid using household products, like bleach, to clean them
What Should You Do If Your Dentures Don’t Fit?
Should your dentures begin to feel like they don’t fit anymore, or you notice any irritation on the gums, you’ll need to contact your dentist for help. Ill-fitting prosthetics can allow debris to easily become trapped against the gumline, raising the risk of oral health issues like decay or periodontal disease. By scheduling an appointment with your dentist, they’ll be able to make any necessary adjustments to your dentures as well as address any underlying problems they might detect. Afterward, you’ll be free to enjoy your full smile again!
About the Author
Dr. Priya Chougule is proud to deliver customized and essential care for maintaining and improving patients’ smiles. She graduated from the University of Connecticut, underwent countless hours of continuing education, and is a member of organizations like the American Dental Association and Spear Education. If you wish to know more about caring for your personalized dentures, feel free to visit our website or call us at 803-548-3342.