Just like natural teeth, your Vero Beach dentures can form plaque and tartar buildup. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can harden into tartar and cause oral health issues that you wouldn’t want to deal with. We’ve put together a few tips to help you keep your artificial teeth tartar-free.
Since dentures break easily, be sure to handle them gently. It’s best to fill the bathroom sink with water or put down a towel before you clean your dentures. Doing so can help you avoid bending them or causing damage to their attachments.
Next, eliminate the buildup of debris on your artificial teeth by rinsing them under warm water.
Unless you’re willing to run the risk of warping the metal attachments, don’t rinse them under hot water.
Brushing removes the sticky film of bacteria called plaque that builds upon the surfaces of your dentures. Without proper brushing, plaque that sits on the dentures too long hardens into dark-colored tartar.
If you don’t have a denture brush, use a moist and soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all areas of your dentures. If you’re using denture adhesive, be sure to remove all traces of remaining adhesive by cleaning the grooves that fit against your gums.
Instead of using regular or whitening toothpaste that’s too harsh for your dentures, use a denture cleaner or gel. Other alternatives include mild dishwashing or hand soap.
Avoid cleaning your dentures with vinegar, baking soda, and bleach. These items contain harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage your dentures. Remember that scratches are notorious for harboring bacteria.
You should soak your dentures overnight in denture-soaking solution or warm water to maintain their shape and prevent them from drying out. If you’re using a denture-soaking cleaner, be sure to follow the product instructions. If your dentures come with metal attachments, avoid soaking them in solutions containing chlorine or bleach that can rust or tarnish the metal.
You should rinse your dentures before you put them back in your mouth.
At Smooth Sailing Dental, we’re here to help you improve the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. Contact us today to make an appointment.