Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, mineralized deposit that forms on dentures when soft plaque is not removed consistently. This buildup is not only unsightly but can also cause discomfort, bad breath, and irritation to the gums. While the desire for “instant” removal is understandable, the calcified nature of tartar means that true instantaneous cleaning is impossible without professional tools. The most effective home methods involve a short soaking period to chemically weaken the hardened deposits, followed by gentle mechanical action.
Understanding Why “Instant” Removal Is Difficult
Tartar is essentially plaque that has been left on the denture surface long enough to harden through mineralization. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria and food debris that forms within hours of eating. If this soft film is not removed, it can calcify into hard calculus within 24 to 72 hours, adhering tightly to the denture material. Once hardened, tartar becomes resistant to simple rinsing or brushing. Removing these deposits requires chemical agents to soften the mineral bonds or powerful mechanical action. Cleaning methods thus focus on reducing the strength of the tartar’s adhesion to make it removable in a short period, typically minutes rather than seconds.
Home-Based Soaking Methods for Tartar Removal
The mild acidity of white vinegar, or acetic acid, is highly effective at softening the mineralized tartar deposits on dentures. A common and safe method involves creating a soaking solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and warm water, a 1:1 ratio. Dentures should be fully submerged in this solution for a period ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, which is usually sufficient to loosen light to moderate buildup.
Prolonged soaking, particularly overnight, should be avoided if the denture contains metal components, as the acid can corrode or tarnish the metal. After soaking, the loosened tartar must be gently brushed away using a soft-bristled denture brush. For targeted removal of stubborn spots, a paste made from baking soda and water can be used as a mild, non-abrasive scrub.
Specialized Denture Cleaning Products
Commercial effervescent denture cleaning tablets are a convenient method for removing tartar and biofilm. These tablets typically contain alkaline peroxides, which, when dissolved in water, produce an alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution. The chemical reaction releases tiny oxygen bubbles that provide a mechanical action, helping to lift and detach biofilm and softened tartar from the denture surface.
This chemical immersion is an effective way to disinfect the dentures and is often recommended for those with physical limitations that make manual brushing difficult. Another specialized tool is the ultrasonic denture cleaner, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that implode against the denture surface. This cavitation process aids in quicker removal of debris and is effective when combined with a denture cleaning solution.
Daily Routines to Stop Tartar Formation
The most effective strategy for managing tartar is to prevent the initial soft plaque from hardening. Daily brushing of the dentures is necessary to remove the sticky film of bacteria and food particles before mineralization begins. A soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser should be used to clean all surfaces, avoiding regular toothpaste which can scratch the acrylic material.
After every meal, a quick rinse of the dentures with lukewarm water helps dislodge food particles and prevents the initial accumulation of debris. Dentures should also be soaked overnight in either clean water or a mild denture-soaking solution to maintain their shape and prevent drying. This routine ensures that plaque is removed daily, eliminating the opportunity for it to transform into hardened tartar.