How to Keep Your Dentures Tartar Free
Staying on top of denture hygiene is one of the major keys to long term success with your new teeth. Without proper maintenance and care, you may start to notice that your dentures smell.
If your dentures aren’t cleaned regularly, it could lead to a build of tartar. In this article, we’ll examine some of the best ways to keep your denture tartar free.
First, let’s take a look at what tartar is and how it can impact your oral health.
What is Tartar?
When we allow bacteria to build up on our teeth or dentures, it can lead to plaque — a sticky deposit that can lead to gum disease if left untreated. If plaque is allowed to harden, it turns into tartar which is a common source of discoloration and surface stains on our teeth.
Tartar is extremely difficult to remove and will likely require the help of a dental professional. It can also make it much harder to remove new bacteria and plaque.
As we mentioned above, buildups of bacteria, plaque, and tartar can have adverse health effects including bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
How Can I Prevent Tartar on my Teeth & Dentures?
The good news is that tartar is completely preventable with proper oral hygiene. If you’re staying on top of denture maintenance, you can easily minimize the risk of tartar buildups.
Preparing Your Cleaning Area
It’s a good idea to fill your sink halfway with water or lay down a folded towel to provide some cushion if you accidentally drop your dentures.
Taking small measures to prevent cracks or scratches on your dentures (which give bacteria more places to hide) can go a long way to keeping them free from tartar.
Soak Your Dentures Before Cleaning
Mix half vinegar and half warm water in a container big enough to cover your dentures completely. Allow your dentures to soak for a short while before cleaning them. The mixture of vinegar and warm water can soften plaque and tartar — making it much easier to remove.
Brushing Your Dentures
If at all possible, it’s best to brush your dentures after every meal. At the very least, your dentures should be cleaned twice a day.
Make sure you’re using a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaning paste — traditional toothpaste and toothbrushes can scratch and damage your dentures.
Pay close attention to any crevices or holes where bacteria may like to hide. After you’ve brushed your dentures thoroughly, rinse them with warm water to wash away any tartar/plaque that may have come loose.
Soaking Your Dentures Overnight
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to soak your dentures overnight with a denture cleanser. This can reduce the likelihood of bacteria buildups and prevent your dentures from drying out.
Get Your Dentures Professionally Cleaned
If you’ve noticed any discoloration or unusual smells on your dentures, it may be time to get them cleaned professionally. At The Denture & Implant Centre, we can recommend the best products to keep your dentures looking bright and clean.
Schedule an appointment with one of our denture experts today.
