Soaking or Brushing Dentures: Which is the Better Way to Go?

Keeping dentures free of plaque and regularly disinfecting them is the No. 1 way to avoid oral infection and bad breath. And while regular and complete hygiene of full dentures is always important, it’s paramount to wearers of partial dentures because the confines where the natural teeth abut with the false teeth are particularly prone to trapping food, which can lead to decay.  

However, dentists now are suggesting that brushing removable dentures with a paste product might, in fact, be a more thorough alternative to soaking in water, effervescent liquids or enzyme cleaning solutions.

However, studies suggest not to entirely replace soaking with brushing, but to supplement soaking with brushing as daily soaking prevents dentures from drying out. 

In addition, there are a number of “folk type remedies” continuing to circulate that are not recommended. They include: boiling dentures or heating them in a microwave often, both of which can cause damage and affect fit; and cleaning dentures with household bleach, which can cause discoloration of the gum-colored sections.

Inarguably, the best cleaning method is via ultrasound in the dentist’s office. Most dentists will happily oblige periodic ultrasound cleanings for their patients. There are also home ultrasound denture-cleaning units on the market now that, while not as effective as professional devices, can do a decent job of cleaning.

Considering dentures or dental implants? Call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com/.