Can You Brush Dentures While They’re in Your Mouth?

Taking proper care of your dentures is just as important as caring for natural teeth. Keeping them clean and hygienic will ensure they last for years to come. When you get dentures, it’s common practice for your dentist to educate you on maintenance and care, which involves regular brushing. Thus, most patients wonder if they can brush their dentures while in their mouths. Luckily, we have the answer for you! Read along to find out whether it’s okay and learn a few tips to care for your new prosthetics.

Can You Brush Dentures While They’re in Your Mouth?

Short answer: yes, you can. If you decide to do so, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush without toothpaste. Most brands can end up doing more harm than good to your dentures, so it’s best to skip the paste altogether.

Even though you technically can brush with dentures in your mouth, it’s not necessarily ideal since it doesn’t allow for thorough cleaning. In order to effectively clean all surfaces, it’s much easier and more time-effective to remove them from your mouth. Plus, a proper denture clean is required at least twice a day anyways.

How Can You Thoroughly Clean Your Dentures?

Proper denture care is critical to maintain cleanliness and ensure they’re functioning well. Here are a few tips to keep them in optimal condition:

• Remove food debris and plaque from your dentures every day. Whether you have a full or partial denture, use a specialized denture cleaning paste to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures thoroughly. Remove your dentures carefully and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to eliminate plaque and food debris. Once thoroughly cleaned, put them in a cup of fresh, cold water to retain moisture.
• Use toothpaste to clean your existing teeth. Your natural teeth still need some love! Use regular fluoride toothpaste, or one recommended by your dentist, to clean your existing teeth.

What Is the Best Way to Maintain Dentures?

When you first got your dentures, your dentist likely informed you on how to care for them properly. But beyond the thorough brushing that’s required twice a day, there are a few ways you can keep your mouth and prosthetics in tip-top shape:

• Clean your dentures over a basin of water or while leaning over a soft towel to prevent damage if you drop them.
• Soak your dentures in a dilution of vinegar water (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) to remove tartar buildup.
• Remove your dentures every night before bed and keep them in a glass of water or denture solution.

Ultimately, it’s best to remove your dentures twice a day and clean them as instructed by your dentist. Properly caring for them will ensure your dentures are kept happy and healthy for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches has a passion for helping people achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that they’ll never stop showing off. After graduating from the University of Southern California, he has consistently taken continuing education courses and completed training in several facets of dentistry, including dentures. Dr. Gaches can help restore your smile and confidence with dentures. For more information on denture care visit our website or call (918) 928-2383.