With just under twenty percent of the Australian population wearing dentures it is important to identify that dentures have a life span of five to seven years. Acrylic dentures unlike human tissue have no immune defence properties thereby causing dentures to create an environment prone to bacterial growth. There for it is important to identify how dentures are cleaned and why.
When cleaning a denture hold the denture firmly to prevent dropping. If there is a great concern about dropping the denture place a small towel in the sink and clean the denture over the sink. Use denture cleaners, dish washing liquid or other liquid soaps as these soaps are not abrasive. Acrylic already has a porous surface when using abrasive soaps they cause the denture to become more porous making it easier for bacteria to accumulate and grow in these areas. When brushing a denture use a denture brush, gently brush both the fitting surface as well as the chewing surface of the denture thoroughly and rinse soap off with cold water as hot water has the potential to cause distortion.
Dentures should be soaked in denture cleaners or a home solution of vinegar and baking soda. As brushing alone mightn’t be enough to get into the small pores in acrylic materials. Overnight soaking can kill up to ninety nine percent of bacteria as the solutions can reach pores and crevices. Eighty seven percent of denture wearers are concerned of bad breath and overnight soaking can kill bacteria including those that cause bad breath. Soaking the denture overnight also gives the gingival tissue a chance to relax. Removing the denture nightly decreases the chances of denture stomatitis to occur.
Ensure the denture is rinsed before placing it back into the mouth. Like getting your teeth checked denture follow ups are essential and should occur routinely to ensure the denture fits well and gums are healthy. A dentist or a dental prosthetist can perform these checks for you.
Any concerns with your teeth or dentures please feel free to call and make an appointment. Alternatively any appointments can be made online here.