Dentures are a popular way to refurbish your grin after suffering from tooth loss because they restore so much of your ability to eat, speak, and smile more easily. New patients often take about a month to fully acclimate to wearing their artificial teeth all day. Then, you might start to feel so comfortable with them that you might not want to remove them unless it’s absolutely necessary.
For example, you might prefer to brush your dentures while they’re still inserted in your mouth. Although this might be okay occasionally, it’s not usually recommended. Continue reading to learn more about why!
Can I Brush My Dentures in My Mouth?
Technically, it is possible to brush your dentures while they’re in your mouth, but it’s not ideal. This is because your mouth is full of germs, and they can become trapped in the spaces between your restoration and your gum tissue. If you leave them in your mouth to clean them, you can only reach half of the surfaces that need to be scrubbed.
How Should I Clean My Dentures?
Instead, it’s recommended that you take your dentures out at least twice daily to wash all sides thoroughly. Some helpful tips include:
- Clean over a half-filled sink or basin and place a soft towel beneath you to cushion a fall in case your restoration slips out of your fingers.
- Gently scrub all surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, unscented dish soap or a special denture paste.
- Be sure to reach inside any grooves or ridges, including metal clasps, if you have partial dentures.
- Rinse them under cool or room-temperature water, as heat can warp the acrylic base and cause it to no longer fit.
- Brush any remaining teeth, gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth with regular toothpaste so that you can reinsert your prosthetics into a clean space.
For morning cleanings, replace your dentures after rinsing and continue your day. If you’re getting ready for bed, it’s best to leave them in a glass of water or a soaking solution to keep them clean while you sleep. This can kill up to 99% of unwanted bacteria that contribute to oral issues like gum disease. Furthermore, it prevents your restoration from drying out, which can cause it to crack or lose its shape.
If you’re tempted to brush your dentures while they’re in your mouth, you probably won’t hurt anything. Just remember that you should also remove them twice daily to ensure that all the surfaces are scrubbed.
About the Practice
At Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a full range of services under one roof. They share decades of combined experience and welcome patients of all ages and stages of dental development. They combine a welcoming, family-friendly environment with state-of-the-art equipment so you can trust that your dental health is in good hands. If you’ve experienced tooth loss, they’re happy to rebuild your smile with durable, lifelike dentures fully customized to fit like a glove. You can request a consultation on the website or call (817) 594-7302.