Should I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?

I recently saw a TV advertisement for a denture cleanser. According to the announcer, toothpaste is abrasive. If you clean your dentures with toothpaste, it will cause scratches. Scratches make places for plaque and debris to collect. Bacteria that causes bad breath can also hide there. You should use their cleanser instead. I don't wear dentures, but I know several people who do. At least one person uses toothpaste. This TV ad got me to wondering. Read this informative article and find out the truth to the question, "Should I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures? "

What the American Dental Association Says…

The ADA recommends that you brush your dentures every day. A toothbrush that's designed for dentures can be used or, a regular, soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your dentures removes food debris, plaque and stains.

Should you put toothpaste on the brush? What you can use, believe-it-or-not, is hand soap or a mild dishwashing liquid. Or you can use a "denture cleanser". The best cleansers have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Don't brush your dentures with abrasive, powdered household cleaners (such as Comet or Ajax). Don't use household bleach either because it can take the color out of the pink part.

You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner. However, the ADA says you must still thoroughly brush your dentures every day.

What the Makers of Polident Say…

Fortunately they are more specific than the ADA's recommended "denture cleanser". Because dentures aren't as hard as natural teeth, you shouldn't use regular toothpaste on your brush. It's too abrasive. Instead, use toothpaste that's specially-made for your dentures. It's non-abrasive. Plus, its ingredients kill germs and bacteria that can cause denture odors.

In addition to cleaning your dentures daily with a toothbrush and denture toothpaste, they also recommend soaking them in (their) denture cleanser. The makers of Polident say that a cleanser helps remove food debris, plaque and germs that brushing can leave behind.

There You Have It…

The experts say to brush your dentures every day, but leave the family's Crest in the cabinet. Instead, use a non-abrasive toothpaste that's specially designed for your dentures. Soaking them in a denture cleanser in addition to the brushing is a good idea because it will remove food and germs left behind.

Resources

http://www.polident.com.au/faq/faq.aspx

http://www.ada.org/2996.aspx