Avoiding Mishaps while Cleaning Dentures: Steering Clear of 4 Common Errors
Proper Maintenance of Removable Dental Prostheses
Cologne — To uphold the hygiene and durability of removable dental prostheses, such as dentures, diligent cleaning and storage are essential. Here are the steps to maintain their optimum condition:
Cleaning Removable Dental Prostheses
- Regular Brushing: Brush away food particles and plaque using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid toothpaste, as its abrasive particles may scratch the prosthesis' surface [1].
- Soaking: Soak your dentures overnight in lukewarm water or a denture-cleansing solution to eliminate bacteria and prolong their longevity. Refrain from using hot water, as it can distort the materials [1][3].
- Thorough Rinsing: After soaking, rinse your dentures thoroughly in cool water to avoid irritation from residual solution [1].
- Weekly Deep Cleaning: Perform a comprehensive clean once a week using a denture cleaning tablet to remove hard-to-remove buildup [3][5].
Storing Removable Dental Prostheses
- Storage Solution: Store your dentures in a container filled with water or denture cleansing solution when not in use to prevent drying and fragility [1].
- Safety Measures: Place a towel or basin underneath your dentures while handling them to prevent breaks from drops [1].
- Protection from Accidents: Safeguard your dentures from children and pets to minimize the risk of accidents [1].
- Regular Maintenance: Clean the storage container routinely to inhibit bacterial buildup [5].
Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that your removable dental prostheses remain in good working order and aid in maintaining good oral health.
[1] https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-plaque/articles/how-to-clean-dentures[3] https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-prosthetics-how-to-care-for-dentures[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dentures/expert-answers/how-to-care-for-your-dentures/faq-20058779
Original Report (tmn): Attention, damages threaten!Food leftovers and bacteria deposit on removable dental prostheses throughout the day, just like on natural teeth. It's clear: plaque must be removed. After all, no one wants bad breath – or a prosthesis affected by tartar and no longer fitting properly. However, there are pitfalls in cleaning dental prostheses that should be known and avoided. Here are four common mistakes:
- Mistake 1: Being careless with the prosthesis: A prosthesis can be quite fragile: if it is dropped into the sink or onto tiles with force, it can become deformed or even break. To minimize the risk, simply line the sink with a soft towel before cleaning, advises dentist Julia Thome from the Cologne Dental Center Carree Dental.
She also offers advice on preventing damage: when removing the prosthesis, always hold it by the sturdy plastic and metal components, never by the attachment areas or clips, as they can bend.
- Mistake 2: Cleaning only in the morning and evening: Cleaning the dental prosthesis once in the morning and once in the evening is a good start. However, dentist Thome recommends cleaning it after every meal. Pay attention not only to the outer surfaces, but also to those resting on the gums or palate.
- Mistake 3: Cleaning the dental prosthesis with toothpaste: What's good for teeth can't be bad for dental prostheses, right? Wrong! "Toothpaste should not be used to clean prostheses due to the abrasive particles it contains," says Julia Thome. These tiny particles can scratch the surface of the prosthesis. Instead, opt for soap or a cleaning paste specifically designed for dental prostheses. With the aid of a prosthesis brush, the dental prosthesis can be scrubbed under running warm water. By the way, dentist Thome states that denture tablets alone are not sufficient for cleaning.
- Mistake 4: Storing the prosthesis in a disinfectant solution: At night, the dental prosthesis should be removed from the mouth, unless the dentist advises otherwise. Leaving the prosthesis in the mouth overnight can provoke irritation of the mucous membranes. However, it seems logical to immerse the removable dental prosthesis overnight in a disinfectant solution, but dentist Julia Thome advises against it. The aggressive substances can make the materials brittle over time. Her recommendation is to store the removable dental prosthesis in tap water.
Store the removable dental prosthesis in tap water rather than a disinfectant solution to prevent material brittleness.
When cleaning removable dental prostheses, Prioritize regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush, a non-abrasive denture cleaner, and avoid using toothpaste to prevent scratching the prosthesis' surface.
