It has been a long day, and the only thing you want to do at this moment is go to sleep. But you need to brush your teeth first, and this includes your dentures. Your dentist said you have to take them out to clean them, but why not save a little time and just do it with them still in your mouth? While this might help you get to bed sooner, it’s also a guaranteed way you’ll run into more problems down the road.
Hey, You Missed a Spot…
The first issue you run into when brushing your dentures while they’re still in your mouth is that you miss half of the prosthetic, i.e. the underside that sits directly on your gums. A lack of hygiene here can allow harmful bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of gum infections and sores. Not only can this lead to pain and issues with any remaining teeth, but inflammation in your gums can cause dentures to become painful and lose their fit. The last thing you want is for eating to become uncomfortable or needing to worry about your teeth staying in place!
The Right Tool for the Job
While your dentures look and function like real teeth, there are big differences between them and natural pearly whites. Regular toothpaste is great for real enamel, but it can actually scratch and damage dentures. These little abrasions are the perfect hiding places for (you guessed it) bad oral bacteria, plus they can make the denture start to appear worn and excessively dirty even if it isn’t.
Removing your denture is a clear reminder that it requires its own routine, i.e. using a soft-bristled brush specially designed for dentures and clear hand soap. This will let you thoroughly remove all food particles and bacteria without accidentally damaging it.
A Little Rest
Patients with removable dentures are asked to sleep without them because it gives their gums a chance to rest and enjoy better circulation throughout the night, safeguarding their health. In short, if you don’t take your dentures out to clean them, you are also more likely to fall asleep with them in. This can result in a sore mouth in the morning, bad (as in worse than usual) breath, a foul taste, and potential infection over time.
While brushing your denture separately from your other teeth might seem like a hassle at times, it’s certainly easier than dealing with a dirty or unstable denture, or worse yet, having to go to the dentist to treat an infection. The couple of minutes you take at home can literally save you hours in the treatment chair (along with quite a few dollars!).
About the Practice
Led by Drs. Paul Coombs, William Ross, and George Sourlis, our team treats each patient with exceptional courtesy and remarkable customer service. We’ve helped hundreds of patients recover their smiles with dentures and keep their new teeth strong with in-office treatment as well as at-home advice. To learn more about living with dentures, contact our practice online or dial (803) 592-6201.