as advised by the British Dental health foundation
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 my dentures?
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.
Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 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.
Most dentists advise using toothpaste and a small- to medium-headed toothbrush.
Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which touches 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.
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 water to prevent any warping or cracking.
