If you want to get the best comfort and performance out of your dentures, you have to take proper care of them. One important step in taking care of your dentures is making sure they’re clean. The best way to clean your dentures is to soak them overnight.

Soak your dentures to keep your mouth clean and healthy

Acrylic Dentures Have Pores

Dentures may look solid, but acrylic, the most common denture base material, is actually full of tiny pores. They may be too small for you to see, but to bacteria these are caves that can be used to shelter an entire colony of bacteria. When you add up the population in all the pores in the dentures, there’s actually quite a large population of bacteria in your dentures that you need to keep under control or else they will be able to contribute to gum disease.

Bacteria Increases as We Age

But it’s not just the pores in your dentures that lead to an increased risk of gum disease. The population of bacteria in our mouths is constantly growing as we age. These are infectious organisms, and as we are exposed to them over time, new populations get established in our mouths.

And as we get older, our ability to produce antibacterial saliva decreases. Some of this is natural. Some is related to medications that can impair saliva production. And some may even be the dentures themselves.

Give Your Gums a Rest

Your gums just aren’t up to the task of bearing the force of your teeth. Your teeth are supported by your bones. So it’s only logical that your gums will be sore at the end of a day of supporting your dentures. It’s best to give them a rest.

Of course, if your gums are still tender and sore after a night of resting, it may be time to consider an alternative like implant dentures, which actually are supported by your bone.

Soaking Is Very Effective at Cleaning Dentures

Brushing your dentures can’t penetrate into the pores that shelter oral bacteria, but soaking can. Soaking your dentures overnight removes over 99.9% of oral bacteria, which helps keep oral bacteria under control, helping to keep your mouth healthy so your dentures are comfortable and odor-free. But, remember, a commercial denture soak is better than homemade.

If you are unhappy with the process of soaking your dentures, it’s best to opt for dentures that are permanently fixed. These are made of different materials and are designed to stay in your mouth at all times.

To learn more about your options for the best dentures available today, please call  contact a local Denture Fountain of Youth® Dentist.