Don’t (Just) Brush Dentures While They’re in Your Mouth

In many ways, dentures can seem like natural teeth. That’s only natural – they help you eat, speak, and confidently smile. Still, you shouldn’t clean them exactly like other pearly whites. It’s actually a bad idea to only brush dentures while they’re in your mouth. Really, you should also remove them at times for more thorough cleaning. If you’d like to know why, your Edison dentist is happy to explain. Here’s why you should brush and clean dentures outside your mouth.

Dentures Need Outside-Mouth Brushing

Technically, there’s nothing *wrong* with brushing dentures when they’re in your mouth. Doing so won’t damage the prosthetics. In fact, the process could even remove some plaque and food debris.

Even so, this act alone won’t clean your dentures well. Your toothbrush won’t reach the areas obscured by your mouth. As such, you’ll need to remove the dentures for effective cleaning. The alternative is to allow for a buildup of bacteria, which leads to bad breath, gum disease, and other issues.

Fortunately, outside-mouth brushing frees your dentures of harmful bacteria. You only need to rely on the right soft-bristled toothbrush with a proper brand of toothpaste. From there, you’ll have a fresher and more functional oral appliance.

How Should You Clean Dentures?

Of course, outside-mouth brushing isn’t the only thing you should do to clean dentures. Other actions to take include:

• Protection During Cleaning: If possible, clean your dentures over a half-filled basin of water or while leaning over a towel. These steps will ensure the dentures don’t break if they fall.
• Brush the Rest of Your Mouth: When your whole mouth gets clean, it’ll shift fewer bacteria to your dentures. Therefore, brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning and evening.
• Use Vinegar for Tartar: Soak dentures in vinegar water to counter tartar growth. When you do, though, dilute the mixture first — make it one part vinegar to four parts water.
• Give Your Dentures Nightly Soaks: Before you go to bed at night, remove your dentures and place them in a glass of water. That way, they’ll stay clean and moist.

While they may look like natural teeth, don’t just brush dentures while they’re in your mouth. Use the proper tips and tricks so they stay clean, functional, and helpful!

About the Practice

Signature Smiles is based in Edison, NJ. Led by Dr. Hiren H. Shah, our practice seeks to give each patient the healthiest possible smile. As such, we offer comprehensive dentistry that includes preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, all tailored to your unique smile. Our office also relies on state-of-the-art dental technology to ensure effective results. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us at our website or by phone at (908)-834-8448.