How to Clean Dentures

We always encourage proper oral hygiene at Bear Creek Dental, but people may not always be aware of how oral hygiene practices must change if they get dentures. Regardless of whether the dentures are partial or replace all of a patient’s natural teeth, they are made of very different material and require more care.

While it is always a good idea to use soft-bristled toothbrushes, dentures also require specially designated toothpaste which lacks the gritty minerals of toothpaste for natural teeth. This is because natural teeth produce a protective film and can incorporate fluoride into their enamel, but dentures can neither protect nor repair themselves. Patients should also continue to brush inside their mouths (perhaps with a different toothbrush), being sure to clean their tongues and any exposed abutments, in cases where dentures are supported by implants.

Dentures need to be removed on a nightly basis. This will provide the patient’s gums with a chance to rest. But while moving dentures, it is important to remember how fragile they are. Keep them above a towel or other soft surface and put them in room temperature, not hot, water or cleaning solution. Even well-cared for dentures will need to be adjusted as the patient’s mouth naturally changes shape. This should only be done by a professional.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 0Z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.