Plaque build-up on dentures is a common concern for many denture wearers. The accumulation of plaque not only causes bad breath and discomfort but also increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated. Fortunately, removing plaque from dentures at home is a straightforward process that requires minimal tools and effort. In this article, we’ll explore effective methods to clean your dentures, as well as provide a detailed cost breakdown and tips for maintaining your dentures in optimal condition.
Why Removing Plaque from Dentures is Important
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on surfaces, including dentures. If left to accumulate, plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which is much harder to remove. The bacteria in plaque can cause irritation to your gums, contribute to bad breath, and even lead to infections if not cleaned properly. Regularly removing plaque from dentures is vital for maintaining both your oral health and the longevity of your dentures.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Dentures
Before starting the cleaning process, ensure you have the following items on hand:
Denture brush: A specialized brush with softer bristles designed for cleaning dentures.
Mild dish soap or denture cleaner: Regular soap or a denture-specific cleaner to avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the denture surface.
Baking soda: An effective and gentle abrasive for scrubbing away plaque.
Denture soak: Commercial denture cleaning tablets or powders that can help with deep cleaning.
Soft cloth or towel: For drying your dentures after cleaning.
A small cup or container: For soaking the dentures overnight or during the cleaning process.
How to Remove Plaque from Dentures at Home
Rinse Your Dentures
Before starting any cleaning method, it’s important to rinse your dentures thoroughly with warm water to remove any loose debris.
Never use hot water, as it can warp the dentures and cause them to lose their shape.
Brush with Mild Dish Soap
Use a soft denture brush or a regular toothbrush with soft bristles to gently scrub your dentures. Apply a small amount of mild dish soap or denture cleaner to the brush. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface of your dentures. Brush all surfaces of the dentures, including the gums and palate area, to ensure that plaque is thoroughly removed.
Use Baking Soda for Extra Scrubbing Power
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help break down plaque and tartar on dentures. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the wet brush or directly onto the dentures. Use gentle, circular motions to scrub the surface. Baking soda helps remove stubborn plaque without damaging the denture material.
Soak Dentures in a Denture Cleaner
Denture cleaning tablets are a convenient way to disinfect and remove plaque from dentures. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to create a soaking solution using warm water and denture cleaner. Submerge your dentures in the solution for the recommended amount of time—usually 15-30 minutes. The cleaner will help dissolve plaque, tartar, and any remaining food particles. After soaking, rinse the dentures thoroughly with warm water.
Use a Soft Cloth to Dry
After cleaning your dentures, dry them with a soft cloth or towel. Avoid using paper towels, as they can be abrasive and scratch the surface of your dentures. Be gentle when handling the dentures to prevent accidental damage.
Regular Maintenance and Daily Cleaning
For effective plaque removal, it’s essential to clean your dentures daily. Make a habit of brushing your dentures after each meal and soaking them overnight. By doing this, you can prevent plaque from hardening and minimize the risk of developing gum irritation or other oral health problems.
Additional Tips for Denture Care
Rinse after eating: Always rinse your dentures after eating to remove food particles that could contribute to plaque buildup.
Avoid abrasive cleaners: Harsh cleaners like bleach or strong chemicals can damage your dentures. Stick to mild dish soap, denture cleaner, or natural solutions like baking soda.
Handle dentures with care: Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. Be mindful when handling them, and always clean them over a soft towel or bowl of water to catch any falls.
Regular dental check-ups: Even with the best at-home care, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for professional denture cleaning and maintenance.
How Often Should You Remove Plaque from Dentures?
Ideally, you should clean your dentures every day to prevent plaque from accumulating. However, if you notice that your dentures feel uncomfortable, have a bad odor, or appear stained, it may be a sign that plaque or tartar has built up and requires more frequent cleaning. In these cases, a deeper cleaning using a denture soak or professional cleaning may be necessary.
Costs Involved in Cleaning Dentures at Home
While removing plaque from dentures at home is relatively inexpensive, there are still some costs associated with the supplies required. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Denture Brush: A denture brush typically costs between $3 to $10. These brushes are available at most drugstores or online retailers.
Denture Cleaner (tablets or powder): Denture cleaning tablets or powders can range from $6 to $15 for a month’s supply.
Brands like Efferdent, Polident, and Steradent offer effective cleaning options.
Baking Soda: A box of baking soda costs around $1 to $2. It is a cost-effective and natural way to clean dentures.
Mild Dish Soap: A bottle of mild dish soap can cost $2 to $5, depending on the brand. This is an inexpensive option for everyday cleaning.
Denture Soak (for deep cleaning): Denture soaking solutions typically cost between $10 and $20 for a month’s supply.
If you want to keep costs even lower, you can combine some of the cleaning methods mentioned above. For example, using baking soda and mild dish soap can be a budget-friendly way to keep your dentures clean without the need for expensive denture cleaners.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
While home cleaning is effective for most denture wearers, there are times when a professional cleaning might be necessary. If you notice that your dentures are becoming discolored, are developing an odor, or have hardened plaque that doesn’t come off with at-home cleaning methods, it’s time to visit your dentist or prosthodontist. Professional cleaning involves ultrasonic cleaning machines that can effectively remove stubborn plaque and tartar.
The cost of professional denture cleaning can vary, but it generally ranges from $75 to $150 per session. This cost may be covered by insurance, depending on your plan, or may be offered as part of a routine dental check-up.
Conclusion
Removing plaque from dentures at home is essential for maintaining both oral health and the longevity of your dentures.
Regular cleaning using simple, cost-effective methods can help prevent plaque build-up, bad breath, and gum irritation.
With the right tools and techniques, you can ensure your dentures remain in optimal condition, giving you a bright smile and fresh breath every day.
