Dentures are a great solution for people with multiple missing teeth or no teeth – but anyone with dentures knows that they require special care.
Unlike natural teeth, which are anchored in the gums, dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction. This makes them susceptible to bacteria build-up, which can lead to infection.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to clean your dentures and avoid bacteria build-up.
How does bacteria build-up affect you
Leftover or uncleaned food can turn rancid quickly causing bad breath and other oral complications. If you feel your dentures might be causing bad breath, try keeping them in a sealed plastic bag for about 5 to 10 minutes. Upon opening, you will know if your dentures are responsible for the bad breath.
As per Colgate, Inflammation of oral tissue is another complication to consider. Stubborn leftover food particles in parts of the denture that remain in contact with your gums, can transfer the bacteria or fungi to the gums.
If left unchecked this can lead to denture stomatitis. Read more about denture stomatitis here.
How to Clean Your Dentures
The first step is to remove your dentures and rinse them off with water. Next, mix a cup of warm water with a denture cleaning tablet or a mild dishwashing detergent/ hand soap. Do not use a regular toothbrush & toothpaste as it can cause scratches on your denture. Submerge your dentures in the solution and let them soak for about 15-30 minutes. SA Health recommends soaking dentures for three to four hours every week. After about 30 minutes, brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse them off thoroughly with water and then put them back in your mouth.
It’s important to note that you should never use hot water to clean your dentures as it can cause them to warp. Additionally, you should avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals as they can damage or corrode the plastic or acrylic material of your dentures.
How to Avoid Bacteria Build-Up
In addition to cleaning your dentures daily, there are some other things you can do to avoid bacteria buildup. First, try to remove your dentures after eating and give your gums a chance to breathe. Second, be sure to brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush every day. These areas can harbour bacteria that can lead to infection. Finally, see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
Taking proper care of your dentures is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding infection. We hope that these tips will help you keep your dentures clean and bacteria-free!
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