Denture Toothbrushes

There is nothing more important for making dentures last longer than proper cleaning, and selecting the right toothbrush for your dentures is oh so important.

To begin, it should be stated that most products made for use on natural teeth are not completely suitable to be used with dentures. Many whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can actually scratch the surface of the denture. Whitening strips and other bleaching products are designed to get into the surface of natural teeth. Since dentures are typically made of either porcelain or acrylic, these whiteners have no effect on them.

There are many products on the market that have been formulated especially for use with dentures. This article is not intended to endorse any particular brand of denture cleanser. Only your denture professional is qualified to help you make that choice. That being said, let's talk about toothbrushes.

Choosing the right type of toothbrush to clean your denture is very important. There are a number of brushes on the market specifically designated for use with dentures, and they certainly take the guess work out of choosing one. A denture brush has much firmer bristles than a toothbrush for cleaning the crevices of your dentures. Both sides of the brush have bristles so that you can choose from two different brush shapes to clean your dentures. While it's best to use a brush designed for cleaning dentures, it's not completely necessary.

A regular toothbrush can also be used as long as you use care when using it on your dentures. Be certain to choose a brush with soft rounded bristles and brush in a light circular motion. You will need to pay close attention to covering every area of the denture, especially around any clips and on the underside where plaque can build up. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes that can damage your dentures. These can actually leave scratches in the surface of your denture, leaving a place for bacteria to get a toe hold. This will lead to staining and it will be very hard to remove it. In cases like this, the best option is to visit your denture professional to have your dentures polished. This will eliminate the stain as well as the scratch, and give your dentures a fresh lease on life.

Of course, there is one more product that can help keep your dentures in tip top condition. Ultrasonic cleaners are filled with water and possibly your favorite denture soaking solution. The machine uses mini vibrations to shake debris loose. While this can be an effective aid for denture cleaning, it is not a substitute for daily brushing and is not intended to be one.

Daily brushing with the proper type of toothbrush for dentures is the safest, most effective way to keep your dentures looking their best.