Dentures are among the most tried-and-true tooth replacement solutions, capable of restoring several lost teeth in a row or even one or both arches! Several patients turn toward dentures due to their accessibility, ease of use, and relative cost-effectiveness; however, when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, it’s normal to have questions and concerns. Some even wonder if it’s okay to brush them while they’re being worn; here’s more information from your dentist, along with some tips for properly cleaning your dentures.
Can You Brush Dentures While They’re in Your Mouth
The short answer here is yes, it’s perfectly okay to brush your dentures while they’re inside of your mouth, but you need to go about it in a particular way. You need to be sure that you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and skipping commercial toothpaste in favor of a specialized denture paste, though you should use regular toothpaste for your existing natural teeth.
But in reality, it’s often going to be much easier to simply remove your dentures from your mouth if you need to give them a good cleaning! This is radically easier and saves you time; not to mention, brushing inside the mouth doesn’t always provide an adequate level of cleaning.
Tips for Keeping Your Dentures Clean & Intact
Your dentures will serve you well if you go about cleaning them in the best possible way. Here are some tips to help you keep them clean if you opt to remove them beforehand:
- After rinsing them off, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures of food debris and plaque. If your dentures accumulate a build-up of tartar, you can soak them in a mixture of vinegar water.
- Clean your dentures over a basin half-filled with water or over a towel, so that if they fall, they won’t break.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every morning and evening to ensure that your mouth is as sanitary as possible.
- Remove your dentures every night and keep them in a glass of water or denture solution to ensure their moistness throughout your slumber.
The bottom line is that while you can brush your dentures while they’re in your mouth, you’ll benefit to do things the proper way by removing them first and cleaning them with these steps.
About the Author
Dr. Kathy Lam received her DDS from the Howard University College of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Wheaton, IL community for several years. Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including restorative options like dentures to help those who’re dealing with compromised smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit to see if you might benefit from dentures, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (630) 653-7720.