Good oral hygiene is every bit as important for dentures as it is for natural teeth, in order to prevent plaque buildup that can lead to odors, stains and disease. Purchasing commercial denture cleaners can be expensive over time, and the FDA notes that many such cleansers contain persulfate, which can cause an allergic reaction or be fatal if swallowed. Fortunately, you can use natural ingredients found around your house to clean dentures safely.
Aloe Vera Gel
Dr. Dan Peterson of Family Gentle Dental Care in Gering, Nebraska, recommends using aloe vera gel, a natural antifungal, that you can buy from your local drugstore. A small amount of the gel is placed on the dentures once or twice each day.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has hundreds of household uses, including denture care. The Arm and Hammer company says to loosen food particles on dentures and neutralize odors that can lead to bad breath, soak dentures daily in 2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water.
Bleach
Household bleach has been used for generations to disinfect and whiten clothes and surfaces in the home, and it can also provide the same benefits for dentures. It's important to get the right combination of 10 parts tap water to 1 part bleach and not soak too long--less than 30 minutes. Bleach won't remove tartar, so you'll still have to use a brush, and you must be sure to thoroughly rinse the dentures after soaking, since residual amounts of bleach can irritate the gums. If you choose this method, be aware that it can cause pink denture plastic to lighten over time, and if your dentures have metallic components, as in partials, they may corrode with bleach.
Soap
You can use a mild liquid soap or dishwashing solution to gently scrub your dentures. Dr. Susan Brackett, director of public and professional relations for the American College of Prosthodontists and in private practice as a prosthodontist in Oklahoma City, says that she gives her patients a sheet of instructions with the first cleaning recommendation being that they clean dentures by brushing with dishwashing soap to remove major debris.
Vinegar
White vinegar in a 1 to 1 ratio with water has the ability to kill microorganisms that live on the surface of dentures. The acidity of vinegar helps to remove tartar on false teeth, in some cases even dissolving away all of the tartar. In those cases where it doesn't, it softens tartar and makes it possible to brush away the remainder. As with bleach, using vinegar with metallic fixtures found in denture partials may erode the metal over time.
