Gwanak-gu Dental Clinic – What Are the Proper Ways to Clean and Store Dentures?

Hello, I am Kang Dong-ho, the director of Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic, Sillim Branch, located right in front of Exit 7 of Sillim Station in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu.

Today, I would like to talk about denture care, something many people are curious about.

Dentures are valuable prosthetic devices that you use every day, so how you clean and store them can determine how comfortably you can use them for a long time.

First, let me explain how to clean dentures.

Basically, it is similar to brushing your teeth.

However, since dentures can be removed for cleaning, it is also fine to use a large toothbrush instead of a small one.

A denture toothbrush has both a wide surface and a narrow surface, making it convenient to clean both the outside and inside thoroughly.

There is no particularly difficult method involved; the most important thing is to look carefully and clean the dentures thoroughly.

One thing you must remember is not to use toothpaste.

Toothpaste contains abrasives, which can scratch the surface of dentures and cause them to lose their shine.

As scratches accumulate, bacteria can adhere more easily, and staining can occur more quickly.

Therefore, instead of toothpaste, it is safer to clean dentures using a denture-specific cleanser, mild dish soap, or liquid soap worked into a lather.

The reason tartar or staining develops on dentures is not the material itself, but inadequate care.

If you do not clean them immediately after eating and leave them as they are, food particles can harden and become as hard as stone. Drinking beverages such as coffee or tea frequently can also make staining worse.

However, you do not need to worry too much.

Dentures can be removed and cleaned, and if necessary, scaling or stain removal can also be performed at a dental clinic.

Now, let me explain how to store dentures.

Before storing dentures, you must clean them thoroughly. Never disinfect them by boiling. Instead, the best method is to soak them in a denture-cleaning solution for about 5–10 minutes, rinse them, and then store them.

If dentures are stored without being properly cleaned while still damp, bacteria can easily multiply. Therefore, it is important to develop the habit of always cleaning them thoroughly before storing them in a dedicated container.

In summary, the most important thing is to clean dentures thoroughly using a denture-specific cleanser or mild detergent instead of toothpaste, and to always clean them properly before placing them in their dedicated container for storage.

If you do just this, you can use your dentures much more hygienically and for a longer time.