Having dentures doesn’t excuse you from practicing bad dental habits. Just like your normal teeth, your partial dentures may end up clogged with substances as you eat during the day. Once you fail to remove or clean them thoroughly on a regular basis, your dentures may become lined with what is known as biofilms.

Biofilms are germs that may comprise of drug-resistant bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus bacteria. When you allow these nasty substances into your system, you can develop an oral infection and become seriously ill. To avoid this, cleaning your denture regularly is a must. Here are some recommended ways to get this done easily and effectively:

Make sure all food particles come off your denture.

To avoid bacteria from developing in your partial dentures, remove all food particles and the resulting plaque that accumulates on them. You can do this by simply moistening a brush and applying some denture cleaner. Gently and carefully brush the surfaces of your denture to avoid damaging the resin. At the same time, make sure that you don't end up bending the attachments while cleaning it.

While doing this, you may also want to stand over the sink with the stopper down. This is because dentures tend to be quite delicate, and they may break if you accidentally drop them while you clean them.

Use a specially-made toothbrush.

It's best to keep in mind that there are many different types of toothbrushes. This is especially true when you are dealing with partial dentures. For those wearing partial dentures, there are toothbrushes designed to fit the shape of a denture. This makes cleaning your partial dentures much easier.

Avoid harsh chemicals: use some mild soap instead.

Unlike your natural teeth, toothpaste can be too strong for your partial denture to handle. Instead, it’s much better to use your favorite brand of hand soap. On the other hand, you can also choose to use dishwashing liquid so long as it has a mild formula.

Schedule regular visits to your dentist.

As much as you try, you really can't keep your partial denture completely clean on your own. Be sure to schedule regular visits to your dentist so that he or she will be able to inspect the condition of your denture and see if your dentures are due for replacement. If not, your dentist may suggest that you have it cleaned professionally.

Keeping partial dentures clean means steering clear from potentially serious illness. Make sure to practice good hygiene for your dentures regularly. Your health is important so be sure to inquire about cleaning when you first obtain your new or replacement denture.

Sources:

NBC News/Dirty dentures? Dangerous MRSA may be lurking, vitals.nbcnews.com

Full Dentures, Partial Dentures, Denture Care – Learn More, Colgate.com

Taking Care Of A Partial Denture, Colgate.com