Are there other types of denture cleanser I could use?1. Abrasive pastes Special denture toothpastes (such as Dentucreme) are less abrasive than ordinary toothpaste. However, if used with a hard brush, or if you brush over-enthusiastically, all types of toothpaste can lead to severe wear and damage to denture plastic. It may be safer to use liquid soap or washing up liquid, which do not contain any abrasive.
2. Acid denture cleansers Acid cleansers (such as Denclen or Deepclean) come in a plastic container with a brush attachment. They are useful from time to time for removing stubborn stains and tartar (calculus). However, acid cleansers can corrode metal, so you should avoid them if your denture has any metal parts.
3. Enzyme denture cleansers Some effervescent denture cleansers (such as Polident) contain additional enzymes that improve effectiveness by helping to remove protein debris and break down plaque.
How can I avoid damaging my denture while I am cleaning it?
Always brush your dentures over a basin of water. Then, if you accidentally drop the denture, it will be cushioned by the water, and will not break. Avoid stiff brushes and avoid toothpastes designed for natural teeth. Both these cleaning methods will be very abrasive, and over a period of time will wear away the denture.
Avoid using very hot water or too strong a solution of denture cleanser, as they will cause bleaching, both of the pink baseplate and of the teeth. For the same reason, avoid soaking for longer than the times recommended above in the section entitled ‘What is the most suitable method of cleaning my denture?’
Never use household bleach. It is too harsh and strong-smelling for cleaning dentures.
Do I need to clean my mouth as well as my denture?
Gently brushing your tongue, palate and the inside of your cheeks will help to remove any dead skin cells that have been shed, and will help to reduce the risk of mouth odour. Brushing also stimulates that blood supply to the gums, and helps to keep them healthy.
Should I take my denture out at night?
Dentists usually recommend that you clean your denture every evening, and then leave it out until the following morning in order to rest your gums. However, some people feel uncomfortable without any dentures, and prefer to continue wearing them during the night. If you wish to keep your denture in at night, you should make sure that it is free from food debris and bacteria-containing plaque. That means cleaning your dentures thoroughly before going to bed according to the recommendations in the section entitled ‘What is the most suitable method of cleaning my denture?’
Good denture hygiene every day helps to keep your denture in good condition and your mouth healthy.