Sometimes, the day seems so long that doing something as quick and easy as dropping your dentures in a glass to soak seems like too much work! There will likely be times when you just want to go to bed as soon as possible, but taking your dentures out for a little midnight swim in their special cleaning solution is super important for your health and hygiene.
If you want to learn more about this aspect of denture care, keep reading!
Dentures are Porous
Your dentures might look pretty solid when you take a quick glance at them. On the microscopic level, though, they’re scattered with dips and holes. This means dentures are typically porous; they absorb bacteria and stains more easily than nonporous surfaces like a porcelain countertop or granite tile.
The bristles on your toothbrush can’t penetrate these pours very well, so to make sure you eliminate as much bacteria as possible, it’s best to drop your dentures in a glass and let the soaking solution get into those nooks and crannies.
Bacteria Build Up Can Cause Oral Problems
It’s great that a denture cleaning solution can get rid of more bacteria, but why is having a few stray strains deep in the pours of your dentures such a big deal?
The problem with bacteria is that they can cause serious oral problems, like gum disease. If gum disease or a similar condition infects your mouth, you may not be able to support your dentures and could lose any existing natural teeth. Though it might seem like the bacteria trapped in your dentures’ pours are locked away, even these small pools can generate significant build up over time.
Your Mouth is A Bacteria Biome
Sounds gross, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s true, for a number of reasons. Whether you wear dentures or not, the average amount of bacteria in your mouth increases as you age. For those that do wear dentures, accumulation rates are also increased on top of that, due to denture-related factors such as reduced saliva production.
Basically, your oral health requires more vigilant care; soaking your dentures is an easy way to upgrade your preventative health measures.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Another pro-tip for keeping your dentures clean and your mouth healthy is to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. Regular checkups help them monitor your oral health and treat issues before they become more complex. Cleanings, on the other hand, take denture sanitization to the next level – while also giving them a squeaky-clean sheen.
Remember that it’s in your best interest to soak your dentures every night, and taking the time to prepare their special solution won’t seem like such a chore!
About the Author
Dr. Dan Passidomo is very knowledgeable in several fields of dentistry, including restorative. He’s also an excellent teacher and enjoys explaining the importance of good oral hygiene at local grade schools. If you want to know the best way to care for your dentures, Dr. Passidomo is the perfect dentist to call! To contact his office, dial 937-886-9935.