How to Clean Dentures

Handling dentures requires care. There are several ways to clean dentures and luckily, I learned a few tricks from my grandparents as I grew up. (I don't need them yet, but know people that have them). I hope this helps those who are looking for ways to clean their or a loved ones dentures.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White Vinegar
• Denture Toothbrush
• Efferdent or Polident
• Hand soap or dish washing liquid

1. The easiest and safest way to clean dentures is to soak dentures overnight in White Vinegar. Brush away tartar with a toothbrush and rinse with water before putting them on.

2. If you decide to use a Denture Cleaner, make sure to look for products bearing the ADA Seal of Approval. Products with this seal have been approved by the American Dental Association and are safe to use on the dentures.

3. Another way to clean dentures is by using Efferdent or Polident. Soak dentures overnight. Brush away tartar with a toothbrush and rinse with water before putting them on.

4. You can also clean dentures with regular hand soap or dish washing soap. Brush away tartar with a toothbrush and rinse with water before putting them on.

Tips & Warnings

• An unclean denture is not healthy, attractive or comfortable. Clean your denture every morning and night with either a denture toothbrush and denture toothpaste or with one of the commercially available denture cleaners or soak them overnight in baking soda and water.
• Rinse the denture under water after meals to remove loose food debris.
• When dentures are not being worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water.
• Ultrasonic cleaners are used to care for and clean dentures. Using an ultrasonic cleaner does not replace a thorough daily brushing and is usually only used during checkups with the Dentist.
• Coffees, teas, sodas, smoking and red wine stain teeth. Use in moderation and clean dentures thoroughly if any of these are ingested.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Please be sure to check with your dentist to make sure that commercial cleaners will not interfere with the type of denture you have.
• Permanent soft liners and temporary soft liners react poorly to most commercial cleaners.
• Never scrape the denture with sharp instruments in an attempt to remove hard deposits. Instead, take it to a dental professional for them to remove the deposits.
• Chemical products should only be used several times a week.
• Avoid using powdered household cleansers, which are rough on the dentures.
• Avoid using bleach. This may whiten the pink portion of the denture.

[ursaminor]

on 5/21/2008 All excellent tips. Thanks for a much-needed article. 5 stars.