The term “fake teeth” encompasses various prosthetic devices, including full and partial dentures, dental bridges, crowns, and implants, all designed to restore function and appearance. Regardless of the material or whether they are removable or fixed, these devices require cleaning just as diligently as natural teeth. Daily maintenance is a fundamental requirement for maintaining oral health and preventing significant biological complications. These restorations, whether made of acrylic resin or porcelain, attract plaque and bacteria, making consistent, specific hygiene practices necessary for the longevity of the appliance and the health of surrounding oral tissues.
The Need for Daily Cleaning
Plaque, a sticky biofilm composed of bacteria and their byproducts, adheres readily to the surfaces of all dental prosthetics. If this film is not removed daily, it hardens into tartar and creates a breeding ground for microorganisms. Failure to clean removable devices often leads to the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, causing denture stomatitis. This common infection is characterized by inflammation and redness of the tissues beneath the denture, affecting up to 70% of denture wearers whose appliances are not cleaned properly.
For fixed restorations like crowns and implants, plaque accumulation can lead to more serious inflammatory diseases. Bacteria colonizing the junction between an implant and the gum tissue can trigger peri-implant mucositis, which is inflammation of the soft tissues. If left unaddressed, this progresses to peri-implantitis, a destructive condition that causes bone loss around the implant fixture and leads to implant failure. This complication affects approximately 20% of implants over time. Poor hygiene also causes persistent halitosis, or bad breath, due to the putrefaction of trapped food particles and bacterial waste products.
Maintenance for Removable Appliances
Removable appliances, such as full and partial dentures, require a two-part cleaning regimen: mechanical brushing and chemical soaking. The appliance must be removed from the mouth and brushed over a towel or a sink filled with water to prevent breakage if dropped. Use a specialized denture brush, which typically has larger, firmer bristles, along with a non-abrasive cleanser or mild soap.
Avoid regular toothpaste, as many brands contain abrasives like hydrated silica that can scratch the acrylic surface of the denture. These scratches create ideal environments for bacterial and fungal colonization. After brushing all surfaces, including the side that contacts the gums, rinse the appliance thoroughly under cool or lukewarm running water. Never use hot or boiling water, as the heat can permanently warp the plastic resin material, compromising the fit and causing discomfort.
The second component involves soaking the appliance, typically overnight, in a specialized denture cleaning solution or plain water. Soaking helps chemically loosen residual plaque and stain particles that brushing may miss, and it provides disinfection. Removing the dentures at night also allows the underlying gum tissues to rest and recover. Additionally, the gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth should be gently brushed with a soft toothbrush to remove any adhesive or bacteria before reinserting the clean denture.
Hygiene for Fixed Restorations
Fixed restorations, including crowns, bridges, and implant-supported teeth, require specific tools because they cannot be removed for cleaning. Standard brushing is effective on exposed surfaces, but specialized interdental cleaning is necessary to access areas where plaque accumulates. For dental bridges, which consist of artificial teeth fused together and suspended over the gum line, a floss threader is required. This tool guides dental floss underneath the pontic (false tooth) to remove plaque from the tissue-facing surface.
For cleaning around dental implants, the focus must be on the peri-implant margin, where the artificial tooth meets the gum tissue. Specialized interdental brushes are used to gently scrub the neck of the implant abutment. A water flosser is highly recommended, as its pulsed stream of water can flush out bacteria and debris from beneath bridges and around implant posts more effectively than manual flossing.
The cleaning technique for fixed prosthetics must be precise and gentle to avoid irritating the surrounding gum tissue. Inflammation at the implant site is the first sign of trouble. While the prosthetic crown itself is immune to decay, adjacent natural teeth or the supporting bone structure around an implant remain vulnerable to disease if the junctional areas are not meticulously cleaned.
Recognizing and Addressing Common Issues
Despite diligent cleaning, problems can sometimes arise, signaling that the current routine or the appliance itself needs adjustment. Persistent staining, often from coffee or tobacco use, indicates areas where plaque may be strongly adhered. Chronic bad breath suggests a significant bacterial or fungal overgrowth not adequately controlled by the daily cleaning regimen.
Inflammation of the underlying tissue, characterized by redness, swelling, or small sores, is a sign of denture stomatitis or peri-implant mucositis. These symptoms indicate that the microbial environment is unbalanced or that the appliance may no longer fit correctly, creating pressure points and trapping bacteria. If a removable appliance feels loose, or if discomfort persists despite cleaning, seek professional care. Continued use of a poorly fitting prosthetic can cause further trauma to the oral tissues.
When staining is severe, or when hard calculus deposits have formed, professional deep cleaning by a dental hygienist is required. For fixed restorations, the hygienist uses specialized instruments to debride the implant surface without causing scratches. Regular professional check-ups ensure the fit of the prosthetic is correct and that early signs of infection or tissue damage are identified and treated before they progress.