Can You Brush Dentures While They’re in Your Mouth?

Your dentures are a durable, lifelike way to restore your smile, but just because they look and work like real teeth doesn’t mean you can always treat them like real teeth. The truth is, though your dentures will improve your ability to eat a fuller diet, speak clearly, and smile with confidence, there are still a few things you shouldn’t do with them. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that your prosthetics stay in great shape for years to come!

Can I Brush My Dentures While They’re in My Mouth?

One of the most common questions patients have about dentures is how to care for them. After all, if they’re close enough to pass as the real thing, you should be able to clean them the same way, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Though your dentures do restore your smile, they need to be cared for a little differently than real teeth do.

First, while it is sometimes okay to spot clean your dentures while they remain in your mouth, it is still necessary to remove them completely for a thorough cleaning after each meal. To do this, follow these important steps:

• First, line your sink with a towel to cushion your prosthetics if you accidentally drop them. Then, fill your sink with water.
• Next, remove your dentures and rinse them with water.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the entire prosthetic with either denture cleanser or a mild hand soap or dish detergent.
• Floss between each tooth.
• Rinse your dentures well.
• If you are planning to continue wearing them, you can put them back in your mouth. If you are done wearing them for the day, submerge them gently in either a glass of water or denture soak. Be sure to rinse them off again before putting them back in your mouth.

Other Denture Care Tips

In addition to cleaning your dentures properly, it is also important to make sure you use them properly. This means that you should never use them for anything but food. Furthermore, be aware that certain foods may be too difficult to eat the way you used to enjoy them. Certain fresh vegetables may be too crunchy and may instead need to be steamed or cooked. Hard candies, ice cubes, and very hard pretzels should also be avoided, and some tougher cuts of meat may need to either be prepared differently or skipped altogether.

Remember, while your dentures are a durable, lifelike way to restore your smile, they do require special care and consideration to ensure that they continue to look and function properly. When used appropriately, you can expect them to last for up to ten years.

About Our Practice

At Ellicott City Smiles, our team of caring dental professionals is proud to offer a wide range of smile-saving dental treatments, from preventive care to restorations like dentures. If you’d like to restore your smile and once again enjoy a wide range of delicious foods, dentures may be the right choice for you. To learn more about these life-changing prosthetics, please visit our website to schedule a consultation, or call us today at 410-465-3224.