Is Cleaning Dentures Okay While They Are in My Mouth?

You’ve learned how important it is to take care of your dentures to ensure they look great and last a long time. But, in the interest of saving time, you’ve been wondering if you can if it’s okay to brush your dentures while they’re in your mouth. Maybe you were going to ask about that at your next appointment, but in the meantime learn from your Greensboro dentist as they discuss cleaning dentures.

Is It Mandatory to Take Out My Dentures to Brush Them?

The quick answer is you do not have to take them out. If you decide to brush them in your mouth, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush without toothpaste. Most brands of toothpaste actually do more harm than good for dentures.

While it’s okay to clean them this way, it’s not ideal since you can conduct a more thorough cleaning if you take them out. In fact, it’s fine to brush your dentures along with your natural teeth but set aside time twice each day where you take your dentures out and focus on thoroughly cleaning them. It’s a much easier and more efficient use of your time to take out your dentures to effectively clean all surfaces.

How Can I Ensure That I Effectively Clean My Dentures?

To make sure your dentures function optimally, it’s key to keep them clean. Here are some daily tips:

• Use a specialized denture-cleaning paste when you take them out for cleaning. This should be done twice daily, whether or not you are brushing dentures in your mouth along with your natural teeth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning. Whether you take out your dentures or clean them while in your mouth, a soft-bristled brush is the way to go to remove food debris and plaque. Once they are thoroughly cleaned, store them in a cup of fresh, cold water so they retain moisture.
• Clean your natural teeth with toothpaste. Be sure to take care of them just as well as you try to do for your dentures. Use regular fluoride toothpaste or a variety recommended by your dentist.

The key in denture care is that you are taking them out twice each day to clean with a specialized denture-cleaning paste for maximum effectiveness. If you want to brush them while they are in your mouth along with your natural teeth at other points in the day, that’s okay to do. Also, follow additional instructions provided by your Greensboro dentist, and be sure to ask them any questions about your dentures at your next appointment.

About the Author

Dr. David Fisher has been working hard for the smiles of Greensboro for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Fisher was inspired to pursue a career in oral healthcare after discussions with his orthodontist as a teen. If you are interested in dentures, he offers partials, full dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Get started by scheduling a consultation on his website or calling (336) 288-1242.