Oral hygiene is important for everyone, including individuals who do not have any of their natural teeth left. Of course, if you wear traditional dentures, your oral hygiene routine might be different from that of someone who still has their original pearly whites. You might wonder, though, if you can brush like you used to. Is it okay to brush your dentures while they are still in your mouth? This blog post discusses what you should know.
Brushing Your Dentures Without Removing Them: Pros and Cons
Brushing your dentures while they are still in your mouth is unlikely to harm either your prosthetic or your oral tissues. Just be sure that you use a soft brush and avoid the use of any abrasive or toxic cleaning agents. For example, you should not use regular toothpaste because it might scratch your artificial teeth. Quickly brushing your dentures after each meal may help to remove food debris and keep your smile feeling fresh throughout the day.
On the other hand, there is a big caveat to keep in mind. While it is fine to brush your dentures while wearing them, that should not be the only method you use to clean them. Every night, you should remove your dentures so you can thoroughly clean your gums, the underside of your dentures, and other nooks and crannies that would be impossible to reach while wearing your artificial teeth.
Failing to remove your dentures for regular cleanings could increase your risk of issues like infections, bad breath, stains on your dentures, and more.
Tips for Keeping Your Dentures Clean
Here are some tips to help you make sure you thoroughly clean your dentures when you remove them each night:
- Use a soft brush that is marketed specifically for use on dentures.
- Be thorough — You should clean all the chewing surfaces of your dentures as well as their base.
- Stand over a soft surface when you are cleaning your dentures so they will be less likely to break if you accidentally drop them.
- Regularly soak your dentures in a cleansing solution.
- Clean your oral tissues. You can wipe your gums with a soft cloth, brush your tongue, and swish with mouth wash.
Brushing your dentures without taking them out of your mouth might not be a bad thing to do, but it offers only minimal benefits. It is better to remove your prosthetic so you can keep it clean, fresh, and functional.
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Erin Page, our practice offers a full range of dental services, including dentures, denture maintenance, and more. If you have questions about how to take care of your prosthetic or your natural smile, our team would be pleased to assist you. Contact Capital Smiles in Schenectady at 518-374-0317.