Dentures are a popular solution if you’re seeking a reliable way to rebuild your grin after tooth loss. These artificial teeth are the tried-and-true method because they restore so much of your ability to eat, speak, and smile more easily.
However, that’s only if you maintain them properly! Cleaning your dentures daily is essential to removing plaque buildup and bacteria that can cling to your prosthetics. Many patients wonder whether it’s safe or acceptable to brush their dentures while they’re in their mouths. If you’ve been curious, keep reading to learn why this isn’t usually recommended!
Can I Brush My Dentures in My Mouth?
It can take about a month for your mouth to acclimate to supporting your dentures all day. Once you’ve fully adjusted, though, you might forget you’re wearing them or prefer to leave them in. You might even feel tempted to brush them while they’re still inserted, to avoid the hassle of having to remove and replace them.
Although brushing your dentures in your mouth periodically may be okay, it’s typically advised against it. When you try to scrub them this way, you’re only able to access some of the surfaces. Unfortunately, your restoration is pressed tightly against your gums all day, which allows food particles and germs to flourish in the spaces between them. This increases your risk of issues like gum disease or decay that can impact your jawbone if left unaddressed. To prevent this, you should remove your dentures at least twice daily to cleanse them thoroughly.
How Should I Clean My Dentures?
Consistently clearing away food debris and plaque from your dentures keeps your smile happy and healthy. To ensure that your restoration remains in good shape, your dentist recommends:
- Remove them twice daily. Both morning and night, you should take your artificial teeth out to scrub all sides with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or special denture paste to eradicate residue buildup.
- Use caution. They tend to be slippery when wet and soapy, so wash them over a half-filled basin or sink and place a soft towel beneath you to cushion a fall, should they slip from your fingers.
- Soak them overnight. Leaving your prosthetics in a glass of water or soaking solution while you sleep can kill up to 99% of unwanted germs while maintaining their shape.
- Cleanse your mouth. Brush and floss any remaining natural teeth or wipe your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth to ensure your dentures are in a clean space when you reinsert them.
As you can see, it might be safe to brush your dentures in your mouth every now and then, but typically, taking them out is the best way to wash them!
About the Practice
At Salmon Brook Dental Associates, you benefit from two dentists who work together to offer a full array of services conveniently under one roof. Dr. Endres and Dr. Chawla share 40+ years of combined experience and can provide everything from basic preventative care to more complex treatments and procedures. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and then utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while giving you accurate results. They can provide beautiful, life-like dentures using tooth-colored materials that can be customized to give you the wholesome, happy smile you deserve. You can request an appointment on the website or call (860) 653-4551.