Denture cleansers are creams, pastes, gels and solutions that are made to clean both full dentures and removable partial dentures (often called “partials”). Some denture cleansers are tablets that are dropped into warm water to create an effervescent (fizzy) solution. Dentures are removed from the mouth and placed in the solution.
Soaking dentures in the cleaning solution helps kill germs that can cause odor. How long the dentures should be soaked—from a few minutes to overnight—depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. Placing a denture in water or a denture cleanser solution helps the denture retain its shape, remain pliable and keeps it from drying out. Never place dentures in hot water, which could cause them to warp.
Denture-cleansing creams, pastes or gels are brushed on the denture after it is removed from the mouth and then rinsed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Denture cleansers should not be applied to dentures while they are still in the mouth.
Using a denture cleanser helps remove stains and odor-causing particles that toothbrush bristles may not reach. Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food particles and bacteria. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained. You can clean a denture with toothpaste, or with soap—mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid, warm water and a soft toothbrush—and with a commercial denture cleanser. Some denture wearers use both methods. The first step in cleaning dentures is to rinse away loose food particles. Moisten the brush (you may wish to look for brushes designed specifically for dentures) and apply the denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.
Never use powdered household cleansers, which can be abrasive and might damage a denture. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture. Your dentist, too, can recommend a cleaning method and suggest denture care products.
.
