Cleaning Dentures: Can You Do It While Wearing Them?

Whether you lost your teeth due to oral health issues, an accident, or other factors, dentures are an excellent way to fill in gaps in your smile. These restorations can be used to replace multiple teeth, an entire arch, or all of one’s pearly whites. Cleaning dentures is different than doing so with your natural teeth, and some people like to try cutting corners by doing so while wearing them. Read on to learn whether this is okay as well as the correct method to use to ensure that your restorations are clean and continue functioning as intended.

Why You Shouldn’t Clean Dentures While Wearing Them

Taking the time to remove one’s dentures to clean them is an important part of keeping them in good condition. Since parts of your dentures, such as the area underneath the gum-colored base, can’t be cleaned properly while you’re wearing them, this isn’t the best method to use. Cleaning dentures is best done by removing them first so you remove all the plaque and food particles that have built up on them throughout the day. This will allow you to thoroughly clean all surfaces so you can prevent buildups of harmful oral bacteria on and around your restorations.

How to Properly Care for Your Dentures

Now that you know why it’s best to remove your dentures before you begin cleaning them, the proper way to go about doing this is:

• Take precautions – Cleaning dentures should be done over a soft, folded towel or a sink full of fresh water so they won’t break if you accidentally drop them.
• Remove – Take your dentures out and rinse them off with warm water to remove food particles.
• Brush – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush along with non-abrasive toothpaste or dentures cleaner. If you use adhesive to keep your restorations in place, clean the grooves that
• Soak overnight – After cleaning dentures, soak them in a special denture-cleaning solution or a cup of cold, freshwater overnight.
• Rinse them off – Before putting your dentures on in the morning, rinse them with water to remove any excessdenture-soaking formula. This will allow you to avoid unintentionally introducing chemicals that may damage your oral tissues into your mouth.

Cleaning dentures takes time, but it’s worth it to make sure your restorations are well cared for. By doing this, you can prevent oral health issues and keep your smile looking its best!

About the Practice

At Fairfax Dental Group, their exceptional team of compassionate, highly skilled oral health professionals is dedicated to helping patients keep their pearly whites looking lovely. If you’re missing several or all of your teeth, they offer full, partial, and dental-implant retained dentures to complete your smile and allow you to once again enjoy life to the fullest. Call Fairfax Dental Group at (703) 560-6301 or visit their website for more information on dentures or to set up an appointment.