Oral hygiene tasks should be a permanent part of everyone’s routine, including individuals who wear dentures. As a denture wearer, though, you might have questions about exactly how you should keep your prosthetic and your mouth clean. Is it okay to brush your dentures without removing them? This blog post shares some important information on that very topic.
Brushing Your Dentures Without Removing Them: Pros and Cons
Brushing your dentures without first taking them out of your mouth is unlikely to cause any harm. As long as you use a very soft brush and avoid the use of abrasive or toxic cleaning agents, you will probably not damage either your prosthetic or your teeth. (Note that regular toothpaste should not be used to clean dentures because it could scratch them.) You can use this method to quickly clean your dentures after each meal so you can feel fresh throughout the day.
However, there is a major caveat to keep in mind. Brushing your dentures while they are in your mouth should not be the only time you clean them. You should remove your prosthetic at least once each day so you can clean your gums and the underside of your prosthetic. Failing to remove your dentures regularly for cleaning purposes can cause odors and bacteria to accumulate on them. You could end up with bad breath, oral infections, and an unattractive smile.
Thoroughly Cleaning Your Dentures
Here are some tips to help you thoroughly clean your dentures when you remove them:
- Use a soft brush that is specifically designed to be used on dentures. Be sure to clean both the dentures’ teeth and the underside of their base.
- Stand over a soft surface, such as a sink full of water or a folded towel, when you remove and clean your dentures. Doing so will lower the risk that your dentures will break if you accidentally drop them.
- Periodically soak your dentures in a cleansing solution to get rid of bacterial buildup.
- Consider using an ultrasonic cleaner, which can help to remove stubborn food debris and bacteria from your prosthetic.
- Clean your mouth by wiping your gums with a soft cloth, brushing your tongue, and swishing with an antibacterial mouth wash.
Brushing your dentures without removing them offers only minimal benefits. It is better to remove your prosthetic so you can keep it fresh and functional!
Meet the Practice
The talented, knowledgeable team at Northborough Dental Associates is proud to offer comprehensive oral care to our community, including dentures, denture maintenance, and oral hygiene coaching. If you are thinking about getting dentures, or you have questions about how to care for your current prosthetic, we would be happy to serve you. Contact our friendly staff at 508-571-0358.