There are some specialist products available for cleaning your dentures, including special brushes, baths, cleaning pastes and soaking solutions. However, you should use these carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are not sure which products to use, ask your DP.

Some people build up tartar on their dentures just as they would on their natural teeth. If plaque is not removed properly, it can react with your saliva and harden into tartar. As with your own teeth, you will not be able to remove this tartar completely yourself and eventually it can make the denture uncomfortable and unsightly. Your DP can remove this tartar in their laboratory using a professional cleaning machine.

Some commercial cleaning products can damage metal dentures, so if you have a metal denture, it is important to discuss cleaning options with your DP. If your acrylic denture has metal clasps, you need to take particular care when cleaning.

People who have sensitive gums may have a softer lining made for their dentures. If you have one of these special linings, your DP will provide individual aftercare advice to make sure you are aware of what cleaning products or fixatives you can use.

It is important to treat your dentures as you should treat your natural teeth. They must be kept as clean as possible to prevent inflamed gums, bacterial and fungal infections or further tooth loss, Your DP recommends that you clean your dentures as you would your natural teeth, twice a day, and after eating when necessary. Always remove your denture for cleaning.

Like natural teeth, dentures are vulnerable to staining by everyday habits. This is especially true if you smoke or drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine. In most cases you should be able to remove this staining with regular cleaning. However, more stubborn stains may take a little more cleaning, and your DP is happy to provide advice to help you.

Your DP recommends removing your dentures at least twice a day to allow massaging of the supporting tissue thereby encouraging adequate blood flow to that tissue. However, we appreciate that you may not wish to leave your dentures out for extended periods, so during your cleaning routines simply brush the supporting tissue with a soft toothbrush. If you do remove your dentures overnight, your DP suggests that you leave them in water to prevent any warping or cracking. Discuss this issue with your DP and read the brochure “Your First Denture” for more advice.

The general rule is to always rely on a soaking solution and brush only when necessary and then only with a specially designed soft denture brush.

Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Rinse your dentures thoroughly 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. If you need to brush your dentures, be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface thereby allowing stains or plaque to build up. 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 adhesive.

There are many different denture cleaning products available direct from your DP or at most grocery stores or chemists. Your DP recommends Polident Fast Action© denture cleaner as one choice because it takes only three minutes, it is inexpensive and readily available. It also contains active ingredients that break down the plaque thereby removing the debris as opposed to some cleaners that merely bleach the stains without removing them. Always ensure you follow the manufacturers instructions.

It is important not to use any type of bleaching product, ammonia based cleaners, abrasives or very hot water to clean your dentures. Bleaching can lead to weakening of the denture and will damage its appearance. The use of ammonias or abrasives will remove the glossy surface allowing stains to build up whilst very hot water can distort your denture thereby affecting the fit.

We have prepared a series of frequently asked denture care questions with our responses.

MORE FAQ'S

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