Denture Care Don’ts!
When we meet new patients and assess their current dentures, we sometimes find that they have been given incorrect denture hygiene advice, or maybe even no instructions at all. In this blog we aim to put a stop to poor denture habits.
The biggest offender – toothpaste!
Toothpaste is specifically designed for natural tooth enamel. Dentures are generally made of acrylic, as well as other materials (such as chrome or even porcelain). Using toothpaste on these acrylics can create tiny micro-abrasions that harbour bacteria and can also remove polish resulting in the denture staining in these areas.
There are many great alternatives to toothpaste out there, such as denture creams, but even washing up liquid can be used (just make sure you rinse well!). We have heard many great reviews from our patients about Shine Denture Paste, which apparently also has a great taste.
Our next offender, a close second – leaving dentures in a strong cleaning agent overnight, every night!
We find that a lot of patients who have had dentures for many years have bleached their dentures over time by overusing cleaning agents. This was standard advice many years ago, however it is very clear that after many years these dentures become pale and even brittle. That might sound great, bleaching your dentures and lifting them to a nice bright white shade, but this also includes the pink gums too, we have seen dentures that were entirely white! Some cleaning agents are particularly harsh too and can damage the dentures, depending on the type and materials used. We personally recommend Nitradine Tablets as they are suitable for ALL dentures, and we give them free with every new denture fit. There are many other great options on the market, but make sure you follow the manufacturers guidelines.
And lastly, not brushing your dentures!
While dentures are acrylic, they do still need to be brushed twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush – just like natural teeth. Remove your dentures and clean them gently to remove any food debris build up, ideally morning and evening, though some patients like to do this after every meal. It is important to brush all surfaces of the denture, including the fitting surface.
It is so important to make sure that dentures are kept clean. Good denture hygiene is not only important for your health, but it can also help to prolong the lifespan of your denture.
