Whilst wearing dentures or other false teeth, it is important that you practice impeccable oral hygiene and keep your dentures clean and germ-free. It is also a good idea to remove your dentures overnight because doing so will prevent germs from building up on your gums and palate. Denture wearers are at risk of developing thrush, also known as stomatitis, a fungal infection that can cause your gums, palate and the corners of your lips to become red and swollen.
What Causes Stomatitis?
Every human mouth contains a fungus called candida; however, it is usually only present in small amounts. If a denture wearer often leaves their dentures on overnight whilst failing to clean them regularly, the candida may begin to thrive, leading to stomatitis. Stomatitis is not only painful, but it can also make it difficult for you to wear your dentures due to the pain and swelling that occurs.
Denture Cleaners Do Not Kill all Germs
Even if you regularly soak your dentures in dental cleaner, they may not be fully sanitized by the time you put them back on. While denture cleaners do leave your dentures looking squeaky clean, they do not completely eradicate all traces of bacteria. This becomes a problem if candida or other harmful microorganisms such as Streptococcus gordonii, which cause dental plaque, are present in high numbers.
Microwaves Can Wipe Out Germs
According to research, microwaving dentures is more effective at sterilizing dentures than commercial denture cleaners. This doesn't mean that you should stop using denture cleaners altogether, however. On the contrary, by using denture cleaners and your microwave together, you can all but wipe out any germs that may have populated your dentures.
Denture Cleaner and Microwaves
To use this method, simply add some water to a microwaveable container along with one denture tablet, and then add your dentures. Ensure that your dentures are completely submerged before placing a lid on the container. If the container does not have any vents, leave a gap to enable the steam to escape.
You might be wondering whether this might damage your dentures, but according to research, 3 minutes at 650W should be sufficient to sterilize your dentures whilst protecting them from any damage. However, do make sure that your dentures do not contain any traces of metal before putting them into the microwave.
Use this sterilization method about once a week for 3 minutes along with your usual brushing routine, to keep plaque and germs from building up on your dentures.
Share24 February 2017
Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Kerry, and this blog is focused on dental fillings. It looks at the history of fillings, options for contemporary fillings, how to protect your fillings, when to replace them and much more. If you have ever had a cavity filled or if you are planning to get a tooth filled, you will find the information in this blog useful. I try to look at fillings from all angles, and I even plan to look at how to avoid fillings through proper dental hygiene and sealants. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find the info intellectually "filling."
