Dentures are a valuable investment in your oral health and confidence, so looking after them properly is essential. A well-maintained set of dentures can last for many years, providing they are cleaned using the right methods. In this article, we’ll walk you through a proven three-step routine: brushing, disinfecting, and descaling – all key to keeping your dentures hygienic and in excellent condition.
1. Brushing: The Foundation of Daily Denture Care
Brushing is arguably the most important part of cleaning your dentures. However, it’s crucial that you don’t use regular toothpaste. Many toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can scratch the denture surface, leaving it rough and prone to plaque and stain build-up.
Instead, use a denture cream specifically formulated for cleaning. One recommended product is Denta Cream – it’s designed to polish and maintain the shine of your dentures without causing surface damage. This helps prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria.
Use either a manual toothbrush with soft to medium bristles, or an electric toothbrush if you prefer. Electric brushes work very well but can flick water and paste, so it’s a good idea to cup your hand over the denture while cleaning. For best results, alternate between manual and electric brushes – for example, manual brushing in the morning and electric brushing in the evening.
Clean your dentures twice daily using denture cream, ensuring all surfaces – especially those in contact with your gums – are thoroughly brushed.
2. Disinfecting: Kill Germs Without Damaging Your Dentures
Disinfection is essential for killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses that brushing alone may not remove. However, many cheap over-the-counter disinfection tablets contain strong bleaching agents. Used daily, particularly with hot water, these can weaken your dentures and shorten their lifespan.
A safer option is Nitradine tablets – widely recommended due to their effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, including fungi and viruses, without the harsh bleaching effect. To save money and increase effectiveness:
- Use half a tablet in a small pot of tepid (not hot) water, just enough to cover the dentures.
- Disinfect once or twice a week only, assuming regular daily brushing is maintained.
This method concentrates the cleaning action and ensures long-term protection without overexposing your dentures to harsh chemicals.
3. Descaling: Preventing Long-Term Build-Up
Over time, tartar and scale can form on your dentures, especially in hard water areas or if they’re not cleaned thoroughly. Descaling once or twice a month helps to keep them looking like new.
There are two main methods:
Mechanical Descaling:
Use an ultrasonic cleaning bath, a device commonly used in dental practices. These produce ultrasonic waves that create a process called cavitation, breaking down scale and plaque at a microscopic level. Add a few drops of washing-up liquid (not a full squirt), place the dentures in tepid water, and run the cleaner for 10–20 minutes.
Chemical Descaling:
Use citric acid granules (available in pharmacies or online). Dissolve a teaspoon in tepid water and soak the dentures for 15–30 minutes. This is especially useful if visible scale has started to form.
Summary: A Routine That Works
To keep your dentures clean, fresh, and long-lasting, follow this simple routine:
- Brush twice daily with denture cream
- Disinfect twice a week using a gentle, effective product
- Descale twice a month using an ultrasonic bath or citric acid solution
By following this regimen, you’ll keep your dentures in top condition and avoid costly repairs or replacements. As with all oral care, prevention is far better than cure.
