When people get their dentures for the first time, they often find that there’s a lot to learn. The new prosthetic can afford you the ability to eat and talk much more easily than you could before, but learning to do so effortlessly naturally takes a little bit of time.
That’s without even talking about denture upkeep, which is almost a skill unto itself. For example, you might have heard that you are supposed to brush your dentures frequently, but you might not know whether you should do that when you’re wearing them. If you’re curious, here’s some information that you might find useful.
Can I Brush My Dentures While They’re in My Mouth?
If you want to quickly brush your dentures while you’re wearing them, it won’t necessarily do any harm. This can be useful in certain situations, like if you see that there’s some food left on the surface of your false teeth.
However, it’s not possible to get your prosthetic completely clean just by brushing them while they’re still in your mouth. This is because food often gets caught underneath your prosthetic, where it can feed the development of bacteria and cause gum disease. For this reason, your regular cleanings should involve taking off your dentures completely and brushing every surface of them or leaving them to soak in a denture cleaning solution.
Other Tips for Cleaning your Dentures
There are other tips to keep in mind when cleaning your prosthetic to ensure their long-term health and stability:
- When brushing your dentures, do so without using toothpaste. Toothpaste designed for teeth contains abrasives that can scratch up your prosthetic.
- Only clean your dentures with lukewarm water. Using excessively hot or freezing cold water can cause the acrylic on your dentures to warp.
- Be vigilant about the fit of your prosthetic. If you notice yours slipping or that you are relying on too much dental cement, it may be time for a reline.
- Take your dentures out before bed each night to give your gums time to rest. This will also allow you to soak your dentures in an antibacterial solution, ensuring that they stay clean and fresh!
About the Author
Dr. Michael McCleaster favorite thing about his work is that he gets to see firsthand the results of his efforts. Watching his patients’ personalities bloom when they go from missing teeth to a mouth full of dentures is incredibly rewarding for him. Dr. McCleaster received his dental degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ. He is currently a member of the American Academy of General Dentistry and the Spear Study Club.
If you have any questions about dentures, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (973) 598-0800.