Dentures, which are removable replacements for missing teeth, are prosthetic devices and should never be cleaned with traditional dental floss. Floss is designed to clean the tight spaces between natural teeth, but it is entirely ineffective and unnecessary for the smooth, continuous surfaces of a denture. A specialized approach involving both mechanical and chemical cleaning is required to properly care for these dental replacements.
Cleaning Your Dentures
Proper denture care relies on a combination of physical scrubbing and chemical disinfection to prevent the buildup of plaque and harmful microorganisms. Mechanical cleaning involves removing the denture from the mouth and brushing all surfaces using a specialized denture brush. It is important to use a non-abrasive cleaner, such as mild hand soap or a denture-specific paste, instead of regular toothpaste. Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can create microscopic scratches on the denture material, which act as harbors for bacteria and fungi.
Chemical cleaning is accomplished by soaking the denture in a solution, which is a step that should be performed nightly. Dentures must be kept moist when not worn, as drying out can cause the material to warp. Soaking is typically done with a commercial effervescent denture tablet dissolved in warm water, not hot water, which could damage the plastic. This chemical action helps to disinfect the appliance, reaching areas that a brush cannot access and reducing the population of oral pathogens. Always ensure the denture is thoroughly rinsed with water before reinserting it into the mouth to remove any residual cleaning solution.
Caring for Your Oral Tissues
The underlying tissues and any remaining natural teeth require diligent hygiene. The gums, tongue, and the roof of the mouth should be gently cleaned daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a damp cloth after the denture is removed. This gentle cleaning helps to remove plaque, stimulate blood circulation in the tissues, and clear away any residual denture adhesive.
Most experts recommend removing dentures for six to eight hours every day. This nightly removal allows the oral mucosa to recover from the constant pressure and coverage, promoting healthier tissue. For individuals with partial dentures, the remaining natural teeth must be brushed twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossed as normal to prevent decay and gum disease. Neglecting the natural teeth can compromise the support structure for the partial denture, leading to a poor fit over time.
Consequences of Neglecting Denture Care
Failing to maintain a rigorous cleaning routine increases the risk of various oral health problems. The most common complication is denture stomatitis, a condition where the tissues underneath the denture become red, inflamed, and irritated. This irritation is typically caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus that thrives on the uncleaned surfaces of the prosthetic.
Unclean dentures also become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to persistent bad breath, due to the accumulation of food debris and microbial plaque. Poor hygiene can also accelerate the degradation of the denture itself, causing stains and the buildup of hard tartar deposits. Over time, poorly cleaned or ill-fitting dentures can create pressure points, resulting in chronic sores and potentially accelerating bone loss in the jaw. Regular dental checkups remain important, even for those without natural teeth, to monitor the fit of the appliance and the health of the underlying tissues.