Using a specialist toothpaste for dentures is a great way to keep them clean and in good condition.
Conventional toothpaste and brushes are not designed to clean dentures and could cause damage.
If you’re supporting a loved one for the first time, or you’re new to dentures, then there’s a few dos and don’ts you need to know.
This article will cover why you need toothpaste for dentures alongside other denture care advice for good oral hygiene.
Here’s a summary of what we’ll cover in this article:
- People wear dentures for many different reasons, but primarily to replace lost or missing teeth.
- Dentures should be cleaned every day with special toothpaste for dentures. Other denture cleansers such as tablets can also be used alongside soft denture cleaning brushes.
- Maintaining oral hygiene is still important if you wear dentures. Use a regular toothpaste to brush inside your mouth to prevent bad breath and gum disease.
What are dentures?
Dentures are plastic or metal mouth inserts designed to replace lost or missing teeth.
People wear dentures so that their mouth can look and feel normal, which reduces anxieties about losing teeth.
Dentures make eating easier, so can also help maintain a healthy diet after losing teeth.
Speaking will also return to normal, though a bit of practice may be needed for certain sounds!
Types of dentures
A full denture replaces all the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Partial dentures fill in any gaps created by missing teeth. They are fixed to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.
Even if you haven’t lost all of your teeth, a partial denture is a great option to prevent teeth moving and becoming crooked or tilted.
Whatever types of denture you have, your daily denture routine should prioritise oral hygiene and denture care.
Oral hygiene and toothpaste for dentures
Denture care is easy when you know how, especially when you have the right tools for the job.
But when talking about denture hygiene, it’s important that overall oral hygiene is not neglected.
If you wear dentures, you should still brush your gums and tongue with a regular fluoride toothpaste.
You can also use mouthwash to help prevent bad breath and gum disease.
Partial denture cleaning
If you wear a partial denture your dentist may also refer you to the hygienist for regular cleaning and check-ups.
In addition to this, it is important to clean your dentures every day.
For this you will need:
- a regular soft bristled toothbrush – dentures are delicate and can be easily damaged.
- a special toothpaste for dentures plus any other denture cleansers.
Only use specific toothpaste for dentures and denture cleansers as damage could invite bacteria onto your dentures.
Worried about your loved one?
Tips for denture care
Here are some do’s and don’ts for denture care in addition to the cleansers and toothpaste for dentures.
Do use:
A bowl or case
Cleaning your dentures in a special bowl or case filled with water will break the impact on your dentures if you drop them.
A towel
When handling your dentures fold a towel to prevent damage in the event of dropping them. It also soaks up any water or saliva drips.
Don’t use:
Electric and harder bristled toothbrushes
These can scratch and erode the surface of the dentures. Such damage creates spaces where bacteria flourish. This causes plaque build up which leads to unpleasant odour and appearance.
Fluoride toothpaste
While regular toothpaste is needed for overall oral hygiene, it shouldn’t be used on dentures.
Whitening toothpaste
This is not a good toothpaste for dentures as it is too abrasive and can erode the surface of the false teeth.
Denture care recap
Do
- Clean your dentures everyday with a special cleanser or toothpaste for dentures
- Handle your dentures over a bowl of water or folded towel to prevent damage
Don’t
- Use hard a bristled or electric toothbrush to clean your dentures
- Drop your dentures on hard surfaces
- Wear your dentures overnight
Best denture toothpaste
Here’s our round up of the best denture toothpaste and denture cleansers on the market today.
Dentu-Creme toothpaste for dentures
Widely regarded as the most popular denture toothpaste, the manufacturers of Dentu-Creme claim that their unique formula of brushes away bacterial plaque and tough stains leaving dentures really clean.
Known for:
- The ‘mouthwash fresh’ formula contains minty mouthwash ingredients to make your dentures feel extra fresh and smooth.
- Suitable for use with partial or full dentures.
- Suitable for adults and the elderly.
- Directions for use: use morning and evening.
- Remove dentures before cleaning.
Stim-U-Dent Fresh ‘n Brite Denture Cleaning Paste
Stim-U-Dent Fresh ‘N Brite is a fresh minty gel that not only freshens the mouth but is also praised for its cleaning power.
Known for:
- Removing denture stains caused by coffee, tea, wine and tobacco.
- It has two layers for freshness and brightness.
- Dual-Layer toothpaste for dentures
- Clean minty taste
- For use inside the mouth
Stain Away Denture Cleanser
Stain Away is a fast acting cleanser that whitens and brightens dentures like new, according to its manufacturers.
Known for:
- Leave dentures to soak in formula as per instructions
- Kills odor-causing germs
- Considered safe for metal partials
- Professional Strength
- Easy to Use
- Please follow safety instructions
Steradent denture cleanser
Reportedly, Steradent is the Number 1 brand recommended by dentists for denture cleaning.
Known for:
- Powerful in-depth clean for hygienically clean dentures
- Express cleaning in only 3 minutes for perfectly clean dentures
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a small commission.
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