Can I Brush My Dentures While They Are Still in My Mouth?

Dentures have allowed many patients to enjoy complete smiles after losing anything from one to all of their teeth. Modern dentures are so incredibly comfortable that you might forget that you’re wearing them at all and so fantastically lifelike that casual observers will not even notice them. While dentures might seem a lot like real teeth, they require different hygiene measures to be kept in great shape. Here’s why it isn’t the best idea to always brush your dentures while they’re still in your mouth.

Why Shouldn’t I Brush My Dentures While They Are Still in My Mouth?

There isn’t any problem with brushing your dentures while wearing them as long as you use a soft-bristled brush and an appropriate denture cleaner. While this may be a great way to freshen up your smile in a pinch, it will not properly clean all the surfaces of your dentures to eliminate plaque, food debris, and harmful bacteria. Neglecting to clean your dentures properly can lead to an accumulation of germs that causes gum disease and other oral infections.

How Should I Clean My Dentures?

Regardless of how much you brush your dentures when they are still in your mouth, you’ll still have to remove and thoroughly clean them to eliminate plaque and food debris at least twice a day. Take care to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and special denture cleaning paste, as regular toothpaste is abrasive and can leave unsightly scratches on your appliance. Before you remove your dentures, fill your sink with lukewarm water and place folded towels over the countertop to create a cushion in case you drop them.

How Should I Clean the Rest of My Mouth?

You’ll still need to clean the rest of your mouth at least twice a day while wearing dentures. Take care to brush your remaining teeth, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every day to eliminate bacterial buildup. It’s also important to remove and soak your dentures before going to bed every night. This will give your mouth time to rest and clean itself, which prevents bacteria from accumulating beneath your dentures as well as bone erosion that can ruin the way your appliance fits.

Dentures are intended to be a long-term investment that provides significant benefits for your quality of life. With excellent care, your dentures can last for ten years or more.

About the Author

Dr. Carroll R. Butler earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio and completed a one-year dental residency program at Travis AFB in California. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Kerrville, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact his office online or dial (830) 257-4900.