Tartar buildup on dentures can affect their appearance, cleanliness, and your oral health. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to remove tartar and prevent future buildup. This guide explains practical steps for cleaning your dentures at home and when to seek professional care.
Why Tartar Buildup on Dentures Happens
Understanding the factors contributing to tartar buildup is essential for maximizing the lifespan of dentures. Tartar forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, hardens over time. While dentures aren’t natural teeth, they can still develop tartar when not cleaned properly. Some common reasons for tartar buildup include failing to clean dentures daily, exposing them to bacteria overnight, and using improper cleaning techniques or tools. Understanding these causes is the first step in preventing and addressing tartar issues.
Steps to Remove Tartar from Dentures
Professional Cleaning Options
When tartar has hardened and cannot be removed with at-home methods, professional cleaning is the best option, especially after the initial partial or complete denture installation. During your dental visit, dentists may use ultrasonic cleaners that employ vibrations to dislodge stubborn tartar. Your dentures are placed in a specialized cleaning solution and subjected to high-frequency vibrations.
Additionally, dental offices use more potent stain and tartar removers than over-the-counter products, ensuring a deep clean without damaging your dentures. To address any buildup promptly, it is recommended that you bring your dentures for professional cleaning every six months during your routine check-ups.
At-Home Cleaning Tips
While professional cleaning is essential for maintaining dentures, daily habits are key to preventing tartar buildup, a cornerstone of proper denture care. Soaking your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution helps loosen debris and prevents bacteria from adhering to the surface. Choose a solution designed specifically for dentures, as it provides gentle yet effective cleaning. Many people mistakenly use regular toothpaste on their dentures, but toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can scratch the surface, making it easier for bacteria and tartar to cling.
Instead, use a mild soap or a denture-specific cleaning agent. Using the denture brush provided by your dentist or a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub your dentures with mild soap or water to remove surface stains and prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. After cleaning, rinse your dentures thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaning agents or loosened debris, ensuring a fresh start each day.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dentures?
Maintaining a daily cleaning routine is essential to keep your dentures free from tartar and bacteria. At a minimum, you should brush your dentures gently daily, soak them overnight in a cleaning solution, and rinse them thoroughly before wearing them in the morning. Even with the best at-home care, some tartar and stains may still develop. This is why bringing your dentures to your dentist every six months is essential for a professional cleaning. This ensures any lingering buildup is removed and your dentures remain in excellent condition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using abrasive cleaners can damage dentures, making them susceptible to tartar and bacteria. Skipping the overnight soak can lead to bacteria buildup and faster tartar formation. Relying solely on at-home cleaning may not be enough, as professional care ensures your dentures are thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
Final Thoughts
Proper denture care is crucial for maintaining oral health and ensuring your dentures last as long as possible. Removing tartar from dentures requires a combination of daily at-home care and regular professional cleaning. Following these tips, you can keep your dentures clean, comfortable, and looking their best. Contact Indian Trail Dental Studio today to learn more about caring for your dentures.
