Most people may think that with fewer teeth, especially for the elderly, keeping the mouth clean and healthy is easier. However, that’s not always true. In fact, people who have dentures, especially seniors, need to have very good oral hygiene to keep their mouth, and the rest of their body, healthy.

Healthy Nighttime Denture Routine

1. Remove your dentures before bedtime. Remove full or partial dentures before going to bed. This will allow your gums to rest and heal, if needed. Otherwise, your gums may get irritated and they will become red and sore.

2. Soak and clean your dentures. Germs and food particles can build up in your dentures during the day. So, soak the dentures in warm or room temperature water with denture cleaning solution or effervescent tablet. This will help clean your dentures and remove stains.

3. Clean your  mouth and gums too. Just because you may have less teeth doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean your mouth so much. Using a wet washcloth, wipe your gums and your inner cheek. This will help ensure that no food particles and bacteria gets stuck in your mouth. You can also use a mouth rinse to freshen your breath and kill bacteria.

4. Clean your dentures properly. Aside from soaking your dentures, you also have to clean them after eating. You may use a non-abrasice cleanser and a soft toothbrush. You may use a handsoap. Remember not to use toothpaste because this can create tiny scratches in your dentures, which may then trap bacteria.