If you’re wearing dentures, you are not alone. About 20 million Americans have full or partial dentures, with the majority being over the age of 65. However, like natural teeth, dentures require regular cleaning to maintain oral health and prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease or tooth loss. Hubbard Dental is proud to offer a range of denture options for our patients, and value the importance of keeping patients informed on the best care and maintenance practices for their dentures, be they traditional dentures, partials, or other forms of dentures.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to remove tartar from dentures instantly using simple and natural methods.
Why Is Cleaning Your Dentures Important?
Cleaning your dentures is essential for many reasons, including maintaining good oral health and hygiene.
Here is why it’s so crucial to remove plaque from dentures:
Maintains Oral Health.
Your mouth’s health is directly related to your overall wellness. Regular denture cleaning helps maintain your mouth’s cleanliness, reducing risks associated with poor oral health. Prior to and upon first receiving your custom dentures, our expert team at Hubbard Dental with walk you through all the best practices for maintaining both your dentures and your overall smile as you transition into your first set of dentures, or simply into a new set.
Prevents Gum Disease.
Cleaning dentures regularly prevents plaque buildup. This buildup, if not removed, can lead to gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a denture cleanser for effective cleaning. We’ll make sure that proper cleaning techniques are explained, and even if you’ve received dentures from Hubbard dental before, we’re always happy to answer any questions our patients might have with a judgment-free, thoughtful approach to patient education. However, if you are struggling with gum disease, known as periodontal disease, whether denture-related or not, our commitment to always treating patients like family includes approaching all situations with empathy and kindness, centering patient comfort and dignity in all that we do.
Ensures Comfort.
Dentures worn continuously without proper denture cleaning can lead to discomfort and, sometimes, infections. By keeping your dentures clean, you improve your comfort and overall oral health. Our personalized care and top-quality custom dentures and partials ensure that you have natural-looking, secure, and comfortable dentures that won’t slip and cause discomfort or potential embarrassment. Because we value each and every one of our patients and see every visit as not merely a slot on a schedule but a thoughtful, valuable patient-provider interaction, we will work closely with you at every step to ensure the most well-fitting, painless denture experience.
Preserves Denture Quality.
Dentures are made from materials susceptible to damage and wear. Using a mild soap or a specific denture cleaner in warm (not hot) water can help preserve the denture material quality, enhancing its longevity. Hubbard Dental offers a variety of high-quality materials for our dentures, and always make sure that the nuances of each option and how to care for them are explained to our patients.
How to Remove Plaque from Dentures Instantly
Use Warm Water and a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush.
Daily denture cleaning is essential to remove plaque from dentures. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water, gently brush the denture surface to remove any food debris or plaque buildup. Brushing should be done at least once daily to keep your mouth and gums healthy. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the denture material. If you find that your dentures are warped or ill-fitting, get in touch with Hubbard Dental as soon as possible so that we may assess your situation and help you return to an easy, comfortable lifestyle with your dentures. While these care tips are of utmost importance to maintaining denture materials and oral health overall, we’re always here to help with compassion and personalized solutions no matter what.
Soak Dentures in a Cleaning Solution.
Soaking dentures in a cleaning solution helps loosen plaque deposits and keeps the denture surface smooth and clean. You may use denture cleanser tablets mixed with lukewarm water as an effective way to remove plaque from dentures instantly. Always read the instructions before using any denture cleanser, and consult with a dental professional if you have any concerns. These denture cleansing tablets are generally very affordable and can be found at most major grocery stores and other retail locations, but if you have any questions relating to proper denture cleansing procedures or would like further information about the cleansing solutions available on the market, Hubbard Dental is happy to provide any and all further information you may need on your denture journey.
Brush Dentures With Baking Soda.
Baking soda is a natural teeth whitener and mild abrasive that can remove plaque from dentures. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste, and apply the mixture to your dentures. Then, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove the plaque buildup. You’ll want to rinse your dentures after this, as the abrasive nature of baking soda may exacerbate teeth sensitivity for some, especially those who already struggle with sensitive teeth or worn enamel; your care team at Hubbard Dental will explain the best practices and how to protect your tooth enamel if you are using partial dentures where some or most natural teeth remain intact.
White Vinegar Solution.
White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent for dentures. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and lukewarm water to form a solution and soak your dentures for 15-20 minutes. Then, brush your dentures with a soft toothbrush to remove any remaining plaque deposits. However, avoid using vinegar if you have metal components on your dentures, as it can cause corrosion of the material.
Mild Soap and Cool Water.
Cleaning dentures with mild soap and cool water is another effective way to remove plaque buildup. Choosing a gentle soap that does not contain harsh chemicals is essential. Using cool water helps prevent the denture material from warping due to thermal expansion. When using soap, always ensure that your dentures are fully rinsed afterwards.
What Should Be Avoided While Cleaning Dentures?
Do Not Use Hot Water.
It’s important for denture wearers always to avoid immersing their dentures in hot or boiling water. This can warp the denture material and cause it not to fit properly anymore, leading to loose dentures. Lukewarm water is the best way to soak and clean dentures. If you find that your dentures are warped or ill-fitting for any reason, don’t be afraid to get in touch with the experienced team at Hubbard Dental as soon as possible—we’re here to help, and while repairing or replacing damaged dentures can seem like a daunting prospect at first, we’re here to make your care as simple and encouraging as possible, and to help find the right solution for you with compassionate care and patient education.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Materials.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials such as hard-bristled toothbrushes, harsh toothpaste, or strong cleaning solutions. These can scratch the surface of the dentures, creating tiny crevices where food particles and bacteria hide. Instead, a soft toothbrush should be used with mild soap or a designated denture cleanser for daily denture cleaning. Depending on the materials used for your dentures, homemade baking soda paste or white vinegar solution may also be used, but if in doubt, always talk to your dentist and oral hygiene team about what’s right for you. We’re happy to answer any and all questions you may have.
Do Not Use Standard Toothpaste.
Regular toothpaste is usually too abrasive for dentures and can leave scratches, where plaque and tartar can build up. Dental professionals typically suggest denture cleaners or soft soap for cleaning. Denture cleaning options like effervescent cleansing tablets are a great solution for convenient, effective prevention and removal of buildup.
Avoid Cleaning Without Soaking.
Dentures should be soaked in a solution designed for dentures, like a vinegar solution or a specially formulated denture cleanser. Soaking helps soften any plaque buildup and makes it easier to remove. However, do not soak dentures with metal components in vinegar, as it can tarnish the metal. For metal dentures, there are plenty of gentler and metal-safe options for soaking dentures, and Hubbard Dental will discuss the proper cleansing procedures for your unique set of dentures.
Do Not Use Bleach.
Bleach can discolor dentures, turning them white. It may also weaken the denture material, making it more likely to break. Under no circumstances should bleach be used to clean dentures due to its damaging nature towards both the appearance and integrity of your dentures—so please be careful to double-check that you’re using the right chemical solution when cleaning dentures. Should accidents happen, however, the friendly team at Hubbard Dental is here to help.
The Role of Dental Professionals in Denture Care
Dentistry professionals ensure patients’ oral health, especially when maintaining dentures. Here’s what they can do, and just a few of the services and processes Hubbard Dental provides:
Maintenance Guidance: Dental professionals educate patients on the importance of maintaining good denture hygiene. This includes daily cleaning to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. They also provide guidelines for denture care, which may vary depending on the country and individual experience. Drs. Jordan Hubbard and Greg Komyathy and their caring team of dental professionals will keep you informed and empowered in taking care of your dentures or partials.
Repair: When dentures get damaged, it’s crucial to have them repaired by a dental professional. Attempting to fix them without proper knowledge and tools can lead to further damage and potential oral health issues. If you dentures are damaged, either from simple wear and tear or improper maintenance, don’t be embarrassed—though maintaining your dentures is both important for your health and will save you money down the road, the Hubbard Dental team is here to provide kind and considerate care in all areas of dentistry.
Teamwork With Other Health Professionals: Dental professionals often work alongside nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists to improve outcomes for patients who wear dentures. This collaboration ensures comprehensive care for patients. What patient information is shared with your other providers is entirely up to you, and we make it easy to provide or revoke consent for sharing your dental info with other medical professionals. However, we always recommend keeping this open line of communication between providers in order to give you the most comprehensive, nuanced approach to care possible.
Creating Guidelines: Some organizations, such as the Oral Health Foundation, produce science-based guidelines for dental professionals globally. These guidelines help standardize denture care practices. Hubbard Dental is proud to stay up-to-date on all dental care guidelines, and implement the latest information and technology in our care so that patients receive the most reliable, high-quality results.
Invest Time in Your Smile
Keeping your dentures clean is not just about maintaining a charming smile, but it’s about investing in your oral health. Your mouth is the gateway for food particles and bacteria to enter your body. Keeping dentures and your mouth clean means keeping most diseases at bay! Good oral health is more than just preventing periodontal disease; whole-body health often starts at the mouth! Hubbard Dental is proud to bring our comprehensive and personalized patient care to the Pinehurst and Moore County, NC area, including our excellent denture services.
Are you looking for more guidance on how to remove tartar from your dentures instantly? Schedule an appointment with us today—discover the impact of well-maintained dentures on your overall health and lifestyle!
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