How to Clean Your Dentures and Protect Them from Bacteria

People, who have lost some or all of their teeth, usually wear dentures so that they can smile, speak, and eat naturally. It is very important that dentures are kept clean and well-maintained. Otherwise, food residues accumulated in them may lead to major oral health problems. 

How Food Accumulates in Dentures

There are several reasons for the accumulation of food particles in dentures.

• Food can get stuck in the rough plastic surface of dentures more quickly when compared to oral tissues.
• The food can drift and get trapped under a lower denture when you eat. 
• The debris that gets pushed upward and backward while you swallow and chew may get accumulated between your upper denture and palate.

How Problems Arise from This Buildup

One of the most common dental problems among denture-wearers due to this food buildup is bad breath. This is because the food accumulated in the mouth can rot within hours. To find out whether your dentures are giving you bad breath, place them in a sealed, plastic bag for about five minutes. If you get a bad smell when you unseal the bag, you can be sure that your dentures are giving you bad breath. Another complication of food buildup is inflammation of oral tissue. This happens when bacteria feed on the leftover food in the dentures and get transferred to nearby tissues and gums, causing infection. If left unchecked, this inflammation may develop into mouth sores or periodontal gum disease.

How to Clean Your Dentures

Listed below are the steps you should follow to keep your dentures clean.

• Remove and clean your dentures thoroughly after eating. Make sure all the food debris and other particles are washed away completely. 
• Handle your dentures with care so that they don’t break while cleaning. 
• After removing your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your natural teeth, tongue, cheeks, and palate. Also, remove denture adhesives from your gum if they were used.
• Some dentures may require to stay moist to keep their shape. In such cases, soak them overnight in a mild denture-soaking solution or water. You can consult your dentist or follow the manufacturer's instructions if you have any doubts regarding the overnight storage of your dentures.
• Also, make sure to rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. This is because many denture-soaking solutions can contain unsafe chemicals that may cause pain, vomiting, or burns if swallowed.

Schedule regular dental checkups to have your dentures examined and cleaned professionally. Contact us at (515) 276-0202 to learn more about denture care.

Related article:  Everything You Should Know About Your Oral Health