Modern dentures are incredibly realistic. They look and feel just like your real teeth, particularly when you first get them and they fit well. In fact, it can sometimes be easy to forget that these dentures aren’t actually your real teeth!
That being the case, you might wonder whether it’s possible to clean your dentures like your real teeth, brushing them while they’re in your mouth. If you’re curious about that prospect, here’s what you should know.
Can I Clean My Dentures in My Mouth?
Technically, it’s possible to brush your dentures while you’re wearing them—doing so won’t cause any harm. However, it’s not the most efficient way to keep your prosthetic sanitary.
When you use your dentures, it’s not just the top of them that can develop plaque deposits. It’s also possible for bacteria to sneak underneath the gumline and cause problems. For that reason, it’s important to take your dentures off and clean the underside of them if you want to keep them hygienic, as well as to brush your gums thoroughly.
Proper Denture Hygiene
If you want to ensure that your dentures remain free from bacteria, it’s important to take off your prosthetic and clean it thoroughly each day. This usually involves brushing them with a soft-bristled brush to break up bacterial deposits, as well as thoroughly scrubbing the gums to prevent gum disease.
Each night, it’s also recommended that you take your dentures out to soak in a cleaning solution. This will give your gums time to rest, as well as keeping your denture hygienic.
The Implant Denture Exception
If you are interested in a prosthetic that you can keep in your mouth at all times, you might want to look into implant dentures. This involves attaching your oral appliance to a set of metal posts that are surgically placed into the jaw.
These dentures are sometimes designed to be irremovable, which means that they’re cleaned while they’re still in your mouth. These dentures also tend to provide you with additional stability, affording you the ability to eat more things than you could before. If you’re interested in holding your dentures in place, you might want to ask your dentist if this could be the right option for you.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana has spent the last decade focused on helping his patients look and feel their absolute best. His dedication to his field is apparent in the prosthetics that he provides to his patients, as well as in the attention and the respect that he offers them. Dr. Rana received his dental degree from New York University. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.
If you have any questions about dentures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (469) 399-7288.