The direct answer is no, you do not floss a removable prosthetic device. Dentures are replacement teeth, typically made of acrylic, nylon, or metal, designed to be taken out of the mouth for cleaning and rest. Since they are not natural teeth rooted in the jawbone, flossing between them is unnecessary and inappropriate. A specific, dedicated hygiene routine is mandatory to protect both the appliance and the underlying oral tissues. Neglecting this care allows debris and microorganisms to accumulate, leading to significant health issues. Proper denture care replaces flossing by focusing on thorough cleaning and providing rest for the gums.
Daily Cleaning Techniques for Denture Appliances
Cleaning the prosthetic itself requires tools and techniques designed to maintain the integrity of the material while removing plaque and food debris. A specialized denture brush, which often has a larger head and firmer bristles than a regular toothbrush, is recommended for mechanical scrubbing. Alternatively, a soft-bristled brush can be used, but harsh, abrasive products like regular toothpaste must be avoided.
Standard toothpaste contains abrasive particles that cause microscopic scratches in the denture’s surface. This creates tiny crevices where bacteria can thrive and leads to discoloration.
Instead of toothpaste, use a non-abrasive denture paste, mild liquid hand soap, or mild dishwashing liquid to clean all surfaces. Brush the surfaces that mimic the teeth, as well as the underside that fits against the gums, which is a prime spot for microbial buildup. To prevent accidental damage, always clean the denture over a folded towel or a sink filled with water.
After brushing, the appliance should be soaked daily in a commercial denture-cleansing solution, typically in tablet form. This helps to disinfect and remove any remaining plaque or stains. Most dentures need to remain moist when not worn to prevent them from losing their shape, so they should be stored overnight in water or the soaking solution.
Maintaining the Gums and Remaining Natural Teeth
While the denture is soaking, focus on the biological structures in the mouth that the prosthetic rests upon. If you wear a partial denture, all remaining natural teeth must be brushed twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossed rigorously to prevent decay and gum disease. Individuals with full dentures must clean their gums, tongue, and the roof of the mouth every day.
This cleaning is accomplished using a soft-bristled toothbrush, a piece of gauze, or a washcloth to gently massage and clean these tissues. This process removes residual dental adhesive, bacteria, and dead cells from the oral surfaces.
The underlying oral tissues require a daily rest period from the pressure and friction of the appliance. Dentures should be removed for six to eight hours each day, with the overnight period being the most common time. Providing this break is important for tissue health and helps maintain proper blood circulation.
Recognizing and Avoiding Common Denture Infections
The strict adherence to the cleaning routines prevents the proliferation of microorganisms that cause common denture-related infections. One of the most prevalent conditions is Denture Stomatitis, often caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which thrives on the unclean surfaces of the prosthetic. Symptoms typically manifest as persistent redness, inflammation, or a burning sensation on the oral mucosa directly underneath the denture.
In some cases, white, curd-like patches may appear, which is indicative of the fungal infection known as oral thrush. Another related issue is angular cheilitis, which presents as painful cracking and inflammation at the corners of the mouth.
Angular cheilitis is often linked to ill-fitting dentures that allow saliva to pool at the mouth corners, creating a moist environment conducive to fungal growth. Poor hygiene can also lead to chronic halitosis, or bad breath, due to bacterial buildup on the appliance.
If you notice persistent discomfort, swelling, or any of these symptoms, seek professional dental care. Ill-fitting devices or an established infection require professional diagnosis and treatment.