Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because they simultaneously rebuild your grin’s appearance and functionality. These versatile restorations are designed to contain the correct number of teeth, customized to resemble the original ones that were lost, so that you can eat, speak, and smile more confidently.
However, you must care for them correctly to continue enjoying their many benefits. Many patients wonder if it’s okay to brush their dentures while they’re inserted, but it’s not usually recommended. Continue reading to learn why!
Why Must I Clean My Dentures?
Some people mistakenly believe that if they’ve lost all their permanent teeth, they no longer need to be concerned with their oral health. However, it’s still possible to develop gum disease, which can spread to your jawbone or enter your bloodstream and impact other areas of your body if it goes unaddressed.
Your new teeth form a tight suction against your connective tissues to remain in place all day. This reduces the circulation to your teeth and gums, increasing the likelihood of developing periodontal problems. Additionally, leftover food and bacteria in your mouth can form a layer of plaque on your prosthetics, which can also lead to gum disease. You must brush them thoroughly twice daily to avoid dental issues.
Can I Brush My Dentures In My Mouth?
If you feel impatient with removing and reinserting your restoration to wash it, you might wonder if it’s not simpler and more effective to scrub it while it’s in your mouth. This might be an easy way to clean the outward-facing surfaces, but the remaining sides can’t be accessed when they’re inserted.
The underside of the acrylic base of your dentures presses closely against your gums all day, trapping plaque, bacteria, and leftover food particles that contribute to gingivitis or worse. That means it’s essential to clean all surfaces of your prosthetics to prevent potential problems effectively.
How Can I Maintain My Dentures?
The best way to thoroughly disinfect your dentures is to remove them both morning and evening to gently brush all sides with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap that won’t abrade the materials. If you’re going to bed for the night, leave them in a glass of water or a special soaking solution that eradicates germs while maintaining their shape while you rest. Otherwise, you can rinse them off after brushing to put them back in your mouth and resume your usual activities.
Although it’s possible to brush your dentures while they’re in your mouth, removing them is required to clean them thoroughly enough to protect your grin!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jenny Hong enjoys helping people of all ages improve their quality of life by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Toronto and dedicates over 100 hours annually to continuing education with prestigious institutions, including the KOIS Center. She enjoys establishing relationships with people so she can tailor treatment plans to meet their unique needs. Whether you require basic preventive care or need to replace missing teeth, she’s happy to help! You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (408) 763-3008.