Soaking dentures daily is essential for maintaining cleanliness and comfort. Dentures, whether full or partial, accumulate plaque, stains, and odor-causing bacteria, similar to natural teeth. Immersion in a liquid is necessary when dentures are not being worn because the acrylic material can dry out and lose its proper shape if exposed to air. Daily soaking maintains the denture’s integrity and reduces the microbial load that can cause oral health issues like denture stomatitis.
Over-the-Counter Soaking Products
Commercial denture cleaners are specifically formulated for prosthetic materials and are the most common and safest method for daily soaking. These products often come as effervescent tablets or powders that dissolve in water to create a cleansing solution. The cleaning action involves the release of oxygen bubbles, which provides a mechanical action that helps lift and dislodge debris and biofilm from the denture surface. These specialized cleaners often contain oxidants that break down proteins and stains, and sometimes include detergents to disrupt the biofilm. Following manufacturer directions, these solutions effectively kill up to 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria. When selecting a product, ensure it is compatible with your denture’s construction, especially if it includes metal components or soft linings.
Safe Household Cleaning Alternatives
If commercial cleaners are temporarily unavailable, certain common household items can be used for soaking, provided they are properly diluted.
Water Storage
Plain, cool water is fundamental and should be used to store dentures whenever they are not being worn. This keeps the acrylic moist to prevent warping and cracking. However, water alone does not sanitize and may still allow for bacterial growth over extended periods.
White Vinegar Solution
White distilled vinegar contains acetic acid, which is effective at dissolving mineral deposits and calculus buildup on dentures. A safe and commonly recommended dilution ratio is a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar to water. Dentures can be soaked for 15 to 30 minutes, or sometimes overnight for deeper cleaning and disinfection. If using this acidic soak on partial dentures with metal clasps, limit the soaking time to short periods to avoid potential metal corrosion.
Diluted Bleach Solution
Mild laundry bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite, is a powerful sanitizing agent for eliminating stubborn bacteria and odors. A suggested safe ratio is approximately one teaspoon of bleach mixed into one cup of water, with soaking time limited to about 30 minutes. It is necessary to avoid using bleach solutions on any denture that contains metal parts, as the chlorine will damage and tarnish the framework. After using any diluted household chemical, thorough rinsing under running water is mandatory to remove all traces of the solution.
Substances and Methods to Strictly Avoid
High Temperatures
The temperature of the soaking liquid is a factor that must be considered. Dentures should never be placed in hot or boiling water, as the heat can cause the acrylic resin material to warp or become misshapen. This warping will permanently alter the fit and comfort of the denture, requiring replacement. Only lukewarm or cool water should ever be used for soaking or rinsing.
Abrasive Cleaners
Regular abrasive household cleaners or common toothpastes must be strictly avoided for cleaning dentures. These products contain abrasive particles that scratch the polished surface, creating microscopic crevices. These tiny scratches serve as ideal sites for plaque, bacteria, and stains to accumulate, making the denture significantly harder to clean over time.
Undiluted Chemicals
Never use undiluted household chemicals, such as full-strength bleach or harsh cleaning agents. These concentrated substances can damage the denture material, leading to discoloration or degradation. Furthermore, the risk of chemical burns or other health hazards from residual chemicals is a serious concern, emphasizing the need for extreme dilution and thorough rinsing when using any household alternative.