How To Clean Your Dentures

Cleaning your dentures efficiently is very important, as the resin that part of your dentures is made from contains tiny microscopic holes that can collect food debris and bacteria.

This leads to plaque growth and contamination of your dentures. According to a study carried out by Dr Glass et al, on the 'Comparison of the Effectiveness of Several Denture Sanitizing Systems', if this contamination is not addressed, and continuous reinfection occurs, it can lead to microbial diseases that can cause systemic diseases.  As dentures are made from porous materials, even after cleaning food debris and bacteria can still remain, so it is vital that a thorough cleansing is undertaken on a regular basis.

Do's

  • Stand over a sink or basin as dentures are very fragile and if dropped can easily break.
  • It is recommended that you use a specifically made denture brush to remove stains and debris from the denture.
  • After brushing away visible debris immerse your denture in a container containing warm water and an anti-bacteria denture cleaning tablet.
  • While your denture is out take the opportunity to clean your gums with a soft textured toothbrush, this will help to remove dead skin cells and improve blood circulation in the gum.
  • Clean dentures at least once a day.
  • Leave to soak in an anti-bacterial solution.

Don'ts

  • Do not use ordinary toothpaste or harsh products as they may scratch the surface of the denture.
  • Do not use bleaches or whiteners and products like bleach as they will turn the parts of your denture that are pink - white.
  • Avoid using boiling water, dishwasher or the microwave to clean or soak your dentures because it will warp them.
  • Some denture cleaners like Sterident contain bleach and as such it is not advised to leave soaking overnight.

For a highly effective bleach-free denture cleaner try SECURE Denture Cleaner Tablets for £3.69 for a box of 32. There are also battery operated baths available, for example the Sonic Denture Cleaner where you can leave your dentures to be 'sonic' cleaned in only 3-5 minutes. Both of the aforementioned products are available within our Denture Care range.

It is recommended that you clean your dentures at least once a day to prevent plaque build up and food debris accumulating in your mouth. Although following these techniques may seem a little overwhelming, it is worth it as poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, heart problems and even oral cancer.