People who have lost most or all of their natural teeth can benefit greatly from dentures. They help restore your smile, make eating and talking easier, and boost your confidence. Dentures are typically worn by elderly individuals or those who have lost teeth as a result of gum disease, tooth decay, or accident. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, approximately 35 million Americans are edentulous (without teeth), with 90% of these individuals opting for dentures.
But just like natural teeth, dentures can collect plaque and tartar over time. Plaque is a soft, sticky layer of bacteria, and tartar is a hard, yellowish buildup that forms if plaque is not removed. If dentures aren’t cleaned regularly, they can become stained, smell bad, or even lead to gum irritation or infections.
This leaves an important question for anyone with dentures—what’s the best way to keep them clean and free of tartar and plaque?
Why Is It Important to Clean Dentures?
Cleaning your dentures isn’t just about making them look nice—it’s also very important for your health. Dentures can collect bacteria, bits of food, and plaque, just like natural teeth. If you don’t clean them regularly, you might deal with bad breath, sore gums, or even infections.
Dirty dentures can cause health problems like mouth sores or irritation (stomatitis) and even cracks in the corners of your mouth (cheilitis), which can be painful. If bacteria or fungi build up, it can lead to bigger health issues, especially for older adults or people with weaker immune systems.
How Cleaning Dentures Is Different from Cleaning Teeth
Cleaning dentures is not the same as brushing natural teeth. Your teeth are connected to your gums and have roots, so brushing them also helps stimulate your gum tissue. Dentures, on the other hand, don’t have roots or nerves, but they can still collect plaque and tartar.
Regular toothpaste isn’t suitable for dentures because it’s too harsh and could scratch them. Dentures need special cleansers and brushes. Plus, unlike natural teeth, dentures should be removed and soaked in cleaning solutions to avoid drying out and to clean them thoroughly.
Types of Dentures
Full Dentures
These replace all of your teeth, either on the top, bottom, or both. Since they cover a larger area in your mouth, they can easily trap plaque and require daily soaking and cleaning.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth and are held in place by your natural teeth. This means you need to clean both the dentures and your natural teeth to keep your mouth healthy.
How to Remove Plaque from Dentures and Keep Them Clean
Making sure your dentures are clean and free of plaque is simple and can easily be done at home. Here are some easy methods, including natural solutions, to help you keep your dentures fresh and polished.
Natural Cleaning Methods
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is gentle and helps clean away plaque and stains.
- In a small amount of water, make a paste out of 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
- Use a soft brush to scrub your dentures with the paste.
- Rinse them well with warm water.
- For extra cleaning, dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a cup of warm water and soak your dentures for 15–30 minutes.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is great for loosening tartar and killing bacteria.
- Combine warm water and white vinegar in equal amounts.
- Place your dentures in the mixture and soak them for 30 minutes to an hour.
- After soaking, gently brush them with a soft brush, then rinse with water to remove any vinegar residue.
3. Saltwater
Saltwater is one of the easiest natural options for cleaning dentures.
- Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Rinse or soak your dentures for 15–20 minutes.
- Brush them gently afterward if needed, then rinse well.
Other Ways to Clean Dentures at Home
4. Denture Cleaner Tablets
These tablets are made especially for cleaning dentures.
- Fill a glass with warm water and drop in a cleaning tablet.
- Place your dentures in the water and soak them for the recommended time (usually around 30 minutes).
- Rinse your dentures with clean water when done.
5. Mild Dish Soap
Dish soap is gentle enough to use on dentures for a thorough clean.
- Add a drop of mild soap to a soft toothbrush or denture brush.
- Gently scrub all areas of your dentures, focusing on small crevices.
- Wash them with warm water to get rid of any soap residue.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Hydrogen peroxide can help with stains and bacteria.
- Use a soft brush and apply a small amount of peroxide directly, or mix it with an equal amount of water for soaking.
- Brush your dentures carefully, then rinse very well with water.
- Be careful not to overuse this method to avoid damaging your dentures.
7. Warm Water for Heat-Resistant Dentures
If your dentures can handle heat, soaking them in warm water can provide quick disinfection.
- Heat water until warm but not too hot, as excessive heat can warp dentures.
- Submerge your dentures for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently brush them after soaking, then rinse with cool water.
Tips for Safe Cleaning
- Always use a soft brush. Hard bristles can scratch dentures.
- Never use toothpaste, as it’s too rough for denture surfaces.
- If you’re unsure about a certain method, ask your dentist for advice.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy with Clean Dentures
Keeping your dentures clean isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying healthy, too. Clean dentures help reduce bacteria in your mouth, which can stop bad breath, sore gums, and even infections. You can safeguard your mouth and lessen the likelihood that more serious health issues, such as inflammation or other diseases, will spread to other parts of your body by keeping your dentures clean.
When your dentures are clean and fit comfortably, you can eat, speak, and smile with ease. This not only feels better but helps you enjoy life more. Plus, taking care of your oral health has benefits for your overall health, like keeping your heart and immune system strong.
Making denture cleaning part of your daily routine is a simple habit that makes a big difference. It keeps your mouth and body healthier, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable every day.