A denture requires daily care to serve you for many years. Without proper hygiene, it can become a source of infection and unpleasant odor. How to care for your denture to avoid these problems?
Daily denture hygiene – basic rules
Regular denture care protects against bacteria and extends its lifespan. The key is to remove the denture from your mouth before each cleaning – never clean it inside your mouth!
SEE ALSO: Cleaning dentures - home methods and good practices
How to clean dentures?
After every meal, rinse the denture with lukewarm water. In the evening, perform thorough cleaning with a soft brush for 2-3 minutes. Avoid hot water – temperatures above 60°C can deform the material [1].
How to clean dentures – choosing the right products
Regular toothpaste contains abrasive substances that scratch the surface of the denture. Use only specialized denture cleaning products, such as:
- special pastes and gels for dentures,
- cleaning foams dedicated to dentures,
- alcohol-free denture rinses,
- enzymatic preparations that dissolve protein deposits.
Use effervescent tablets 2-3 times a week for deep cleaning.
At home, you can also soak the denture in a vinegar solution (1 tablespoon per glass of water) for 30 minutes, then gently clean it with a brush. Vinegar solutions effectively reduce the number of bacteria and prevent inflammations. [2]
Why use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean dentures?
Ultrasonic cleaners are a modern cleaning method that uses high-frequency vibrations to remove deposits from hard-to-reach places. Ultrasound generates millions of tiny bubbles that collapse, effectively removing dirt and dental tartar.
SEE ALSO: Dental ultrasonic cleaner – what kind of device is it [...]
Devices such as ZENT®Ultrasonic Cleaner are additionally equipped with a UV lamp that eliminates bacteria and viruses. The whole process takes only 5 minutes – you place the denture in the chamber, add water, and press the button. This significantly saves time compared to traditional brushing and guarantees hygienic cleanliness without the risk of scratches.
Most common denture problems – how to prevent them?
Dental dentures, like any prosthetic solution, can cause some problems over time. Early recognition and proper response will help you avoid discomfort and extend the life of the denture.
The problem of dental tartar on dentures
Dental tartar is a hard deposit that forms when food residues and bacteria settle on the denture and harden over time. It is difficult to remove with regular brushing. Warning signs include a yellowish or brownish coating and a rough denture surface. It is most effectively removed by a prosthodontist using ultrasonic tools.
Problems with denture fitting
Over time, the shape of the gums and jawbone may change, causing the denture to no longer fit the oral cavity. This manifests as discomfort, chafing, or problems with speech and eating. In such a situation, a visit to the prosthodontist is necessary, who will adjust the denture to the new conditions or recommend making a new one.
When to see a prosthodontist?
A visit is necessary for thick layers of tartar, when the denture fits poorly, or when material cracks appear. Regular check-ups every 6 months allow early detection of problems and prevent more serious complications [3].
Denture storage – what you need to know?
Dentures should be removed at night – gums need a break from pressure. Proper storage prevents material deformation.
Where and how to store dentures overnight
The best way to store dentures overnight is to place them in a special container with water and a cleaning tablet based on alkaline peroxide. This solution significantly reduces the amount of bacteria and fungi on the denture surface, which translates into better oral health [4].
If you do not have cleaning tablets, place the denture in a container with clean, cool, boiled water. Storing in water minimizes deformation and drying of the acrylic material, which is crucial for maintaining the proper shape and fit of the denture [5].
Storing dentures dry is not recommended as it can cause material deformation, especially in the first weeks of use. [6] Always thoroughly clean the denture before storing it to further limit biofilm development. Clean the denture storage container every few days and change the water daily.
Most common mistakes in denture care
Improper denture care can significantly shorten its lifespan and lead to health problems. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
Improper mechanical cleaning
Brushing too hard with a stiff brush can damage the denture surface. On the other hand, inadequate cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas, promotes bacterial growth and tartar formation.
Leaving dentures in the mouth overnight
Wearing dentures around the clock prevents the gums from resting and regenerating. This leads to inflammation, mucosal overgrowth, and even bone loss. Additionally, the dark and moist environment of the mouth during sleep promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi on the denture.
Infrequent prosthetist check-ups
Skipping regular check-ups with the prosthetist (recommended every 6 months) prevents early detection of denture problems, such as microcracks, loss of retention, or the need for relining. These issues, if not addressed early, can lead to more serious complications and the need for a new denture.
SEE ALSO: How to clean a denture?
Proper denture care is the key to its long-term use. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure your comfort for years. Remember to have check-ups with your prosthetist!
FAQ – most frequently asked questions
How often should a dental denture be replaced?
A denture lasts 5-7 years with proper care.
How to use the ultrasonic cleaner?
Fill with water, place the denture inside, and run for 3-5 minutes. After cleaning, rinse under running water.
Can I eat everything with a denture?
At first, choose soft foods. Over time, you can introduce harder products, but always avoid very hard (nuts, hard candies) and sticky foods (caramels, chewing gum).
What to do if the denture causes pain?
A new denture may cause discomfort for several days. If the pain persists for more than a week, consult a prosthetist. Never modify the denture yourself.
NOTES:
[1] Enkhjargal Bayarsaikhan et al. (2021). "Effects of Postcuring Temperature on the Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Three-Dimensional Printed Dental Resin Material". Polymers.
[2] R. Kaypetch et al. (2023). "Novel vinegar solution for denture-cleansing agent". Journal of oral science.
[3] S. Tada et al. (2015). "Impact of periodontal maintenance on tooth survival in patients with removable partial dentures". Journal of clinical periodontology.
[4] J. Duyck et al. (2013). "Overnight storage of removable dentures in alkaline peroxide-based tablets affects biofilm mass and composition". Journal of dentistry.
[5] Jinse Kim et al. (2021). "Comparative study of volumetric change in water-stored and dry-stored complete denture base". The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics.
[6] M. Motala et al. (2020). "The effect of storage conditions on the deformation patterns of acrylic partial denture bases". South African Dental Journal.
