Taking care of your dentures doesn’t stop when you take them out at night. In fact, what you do with them overnight plays a crucial role in maintaining their shape, cleanliness, and longevity.
Whether you’re new to wearing dentures or looking to improve your care routine, understanding proper soaking techniques will help keep your smile healthy and comfortable. For personalized advice, visit Smile Haven today.
Why Do You Need to Soak Your Dentures
Prevents Bacterial Growth
Soaking dentures overnight creates an environment that fights harmful bacteria and germs. Throughout the day, your dental prosthetics collect food particles, plaque, and bacteria that simple brushing can’t always remove. Soaking in a proper denture cleanser solution kills these microorganisms and prevents infections that could affect your oral health.
Maintains Proper Denture Shape and Denture Fit
Your dentures need moisture to maintain their shape and comfortable fit. When they dry out, the acrylic material can warp or crack, changing how they sit in your mouth. This warping happens because the material contracts when it loses moisture. By soaking them overnight, you ensure they retain their original form and continue fitting properly. A well-fitted appliance means better chewing ability and fewer sore spots in your mouth.
Removes Stains and Odors
Daily soaking helps eliminate stubborn stains from coffee, tea, wine, and food that accumulate on your appliances. Denture cleaner solutions contain special ingredients that break down these stains without damaging the material. Soaking them overnight also neutralizes odour-causing bacteria.
Extends Lifespan
Proper overnight soaking significantly increases how long they last before needing replacement. Proper denture hygiene prevents buildup that can degrade materials over time. Moisture maintenance prevents cracks and breaks that would otherwise require costly repairs. When you invest in quality prosthetics, protecting that investment through proper care makes financial sense.
How to Properly Soak Dentures Overnight
- Remove and rinse your dentures – After taking out your dental prosthetics, hold them carefully over a folded towel or basin of water.Rinse them under cool running water to remove loose food particles and debris.
- Clean your dentures thoroughly – Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleaner to gently brush all surfaces. Pay special attention to grooves and areas where bacteria hide.
- Prepare your soaking solution – Fill a cup with cool or lukewarm plain water to completely cover your prosthetics.
- Add denture cleanser – Drop in a cleaning tablet or add the recommended amount of liquid cleaning solution. Follow the package instructions for the correct ratio.
- Submerge your prosthetic completely – Place your appliances in the solution, ensuring every part is covered. Any exposed areas won’t receive the cleaning benefits and may dry out.
- Let them soak overnight – Leave them undisturbed for at least 6-8 hours or as directed. This gives the cleaning solution time to work effectively.
What is the best thing to soak your dentures in overnight?
The best soaking solution is a commercial denture cleanser specifically designed for overnight use. These cleaning products contain ingredients that effectively kill bacteria, remove stains, and eliminate odors without damaging your dental prosthetics. Look for soaking solutions that are approved by dental associations and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. While distilled water can work in a pinch, it doesn’t provide the cleaning and disinfecting benefits that proper care requires for optimal oral health.
What else can dentures be soaked in?
- Plain water – A temporary solution when a commercial cleanser isn’t available, though it only prevents drying without cleaning benefits.
- Mild dish soap solution – Mix a few drops of gentle, bleach-free dish soap in water for basic cleaning, but rinse extremely well before wearing.
- White vinegar solution – Equal parts water and white vinegar can help remove tartar buildup, but shouldn’t be used daily as it may damage your prosthetics.
- Baking soda paste – A teaspoon of baking soda in water creates a gentle cleaning solution, though it’s less effective than commercial cleaners.
- Hydrogen peroxide solution – Diluted hydrogen peroxide can whiten your prosthetics, but use sparingly and never on metal-based dentures.
4 Denture Care Mistakes You Should Avoid
Using Hot Water
One of the most damaging mistakes you can make is soaking or rinsing with hot water. High temperatures cause the acrylic material to warp and lose its shape permanently. This warping means they won’t fit properly, leading to discomfort, sores, and difficulty eating. Even water that feels comfortably warm to your hands can be too hot for them.
Soaking in Bleach or Harsh Chemicals
Never use household bleach, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals to clean your prosthetics. These substances can weaken the denture material, cause discoloration, and leave harmful residues. Bleach particularly damages the pink acrylic that mimics gum tissue, turning it white or causing it to become brittle. Some people think stronger chemicals mean better cleaning, but they actually shorten the prosthetic’ lifespan. Stick to products specifically designed for denture care to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Letting Dentures Dry Out
Allowing your prosthetics to sit dry overnight is a serious mistake that leads to cracking and warping. The acrylic material needs constant moisture to maintain its flexibility and shape. Even a single night of drying can cause micro-cracks that worsen over time. Dried-out appliances become uncomfortable and may not fit properly, requiring adjustments or replacement.
Using Toothpaste on Dentures
Regular toothpaste contains abrasives designed for natural tooth enamel, not materials. These abrasives create tiny scratches on surfaces where bacteria and stains accumulate. Over time, toothpaste use makes your prosthetics look dull and feel rough. The scratches also make cleaning more difficult and can harbor odor-causing bacteria. Use denture cleaning products to maintain smooth, clean surfaces that resist staining and bacterial growth.
Do you put dentures in wet or dry?
You should always put your dental prosthetics in wet, never dry. After soaking overnight and rinsing thoroughly, your dental prosthetics should be moist when you insert them. Wet dentures create a better seal with your gums and feel more comfortable immediately. Dry dentures can stick to your gums uncomfortably and may cause irritation or sore spots. The moisture also helps any denture adhesive work more effectively if you use it.
How to Properly Put in Dentures After Soaking
- Rinse your prosthetics thoroughly – Hold your dental prosthetics under cool running water for at least 30 seconds, making sure to remove all cleaning solution residue from every surface.
- Clean your mouth first – Before inserting your prosthetics, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and stimulate circulation.
- Check for damage – Look for any cracks, chips, or rough spots that might have developed overnight, addressing any issues before insertion.
- Apply adhesive if needed – If you use adhesive, apply small dots or strips as directed, avoiding excess that could ooze out when you bite down.
- Insert your dentures while wet – Starting with your upper denture, position it in your mouth and press gently and evenly until it seats properly against your gums.
- Bite down gently to secure – Once both dentures are in place, bite down gently and swallow to help create proper suction and positioning.
- Check comfort and fit – Move your jaw gently from side to side and practice speaking a few words to ensure everything feels secure and comfortable.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your dentures through nightly soaking ensures they’ll serve you well for years to come. Remember, consistent care prevents problems before they start and keeps your smile looking its best.
Ready to learn more about maintaining your dentures or need professional denture services? Schedule an appointment with us at Smile Haven today, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful oral health tips!