Dirty dentures can create more problems for you than they can solve, which is why you need to ensure your dentures are always thoroughly cleaned. Here are four practical tips for cleaning your dentures.
1. You Need At Least Two Forms of Cleaning
The first thing you should know is that mechanical cleaning alone is not enough to keep your dentures clean; you need at least mechanical plus chemical cleaning. Mechanical cleaning is any form of cleaning that involves using physical force to get rid of denture debris. Examples of mechanical cleaning include using a toothbrush or using an ultrasonic cleaner. Mechanical cleaning helps to get rid of small and moderate debris, such as remnants of food. Chemical cleaning, which obviously involves the use of chemicals, gets rid of microscopic debris (such as bacteria) in all crooks, crannies, and pores that mechanical cleaners cannot reach.
2. You Need the Right Cleaners
When it comes to chemical cleaners, you don't just pick any chemicals lying around; you need the right cleaners. For example, some people have resorted to household cleaners and toothpaste with disastrous results; hint; toothpaste is bad because it is abrasive and can easily damage the dentures. It's best to go with purpose-made denture cleaners (typically available at local stores); if you must improvise, stick to safe nonabrasive options, such as liquid dishwashing detergent.
3. You Need the Right Toothbrush
You also need the right toothbrush because your normal toothbrush, the one you use for your daily brushing, may not be good enough. The right toothbrush should have moderately soft bristles, and it should be shaped in such a way that it can reach all corners and crevices of the dentures. Purpose-built denture brushes meet both of these requirements; but if you must use a standard toothbrush, make sure it is soft enough and won't hurt your dentures.
4. You Need the Right Techniques
To top all the above requirements, you need the right brushing techniques to ensure that your dentures and clean but not damaged at the end of each cleaning session. Here are a few tips to help you ensure this is the case:
For more information, contact a dentist like Clendenon Kirby DDS.
Share3 May 2018
Do you have "bad teeth"? I do. Ever since I was a kid, every checkup turns up a number of issues ranging from cavities to dental fractures. It has always been frustrating to keep my smile in decent shape, which is one of the reasons I started focusing on understanding different dental problems. I wanted to know what I was getting into when I visited the doctor, so I began focusing on learning as much as I could. I wanted to create this blog all about dentistry so that other people could find out what to expect when they head to the dentist. Check it out!
