When you first get your dentures, there’s quite a bit of adjustment that you’ll have to do. You’ll have to learn to talk again, to eat again, to smile again, and while you’ll be able to do all of these things much better than you could before, it also introduces quite a learning curve.
One other thing that you’ll have to learn more about is hygiene—cleaning your dentures is critically important to your oral health. You might wonder if you can brush your dentures like you did with your natural teeth. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know.
Can I Brush Dentures While They’re in My Mouth?
You can certainly brush your dentures while they’re in your mouth if you’d like; that is to say, doing this probably won’t hurt. However, doing this on its own is not usually enough to clean them fully. It’s also possible for bacteria and food deposits to build up underneath your prosthetic if you aren’t careful. If you want to be thorough with your dental hygiene, it’s a good idea to take out your dentures and brush them all over with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Other Tips for Cleaning Dentures
To keep dentures clean, rinse them with water after meals to remove food particles. Brush them daily with a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to prevent stains and plaque buildup. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too harsh. Soak dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to disinfect and maintain their shape. Rinse thoroughly before wearing them again. Handle them carefully to avoid damage, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments to ensure a proper fit and overall oral health.
Implant Dentures as an Alternative
If you’re not thrilled with the prospect of having to take out your dentures when anytime you want to clean them, you should know that this is not necessary for implant dentures. These prosthetics are attached to thin metal posts inserted into the jaw, allowing them additional strength and stability.
Some implant dentures are removable, but others are not; in the case of the latter, you can simply brush your prosthetic the same as you would your natural teeth. It may be worth talking to your dentist about this method of tooth replacement, particularly if this method of cleaning sounds appealing to you.
About Our Practice
At Carlson Dental Group on Bartram Park, we’re proud to be able to help patients get the smile that they’ve always wanted, whether that’s through restorative treatment or a beautiful new prosthetic. We also know what it takes to keep your oral health in the best condition possible, which is why ensure that all of our patients have the knowledge and resources necessary to do that.
If you have any questions about dentures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (904) 262-8409.