People who wear dentures should disinfect them every night and soak them to remove stains and residues of tartar. If there are no marks or other dirt, dentists recommend simply soaking her in water every night. However, if you notice stains and scaling start to form, an equal parts water and vinegar solution is as effective as a commercial cleaner. Acetic acid has been found to be effective in removing tartar. It is a good idea to use this solution for regular cleaning, while it is recommended to do treatments with a bleach-based mixture to disinfect the prosthesis more deeply. The vinegar solution is only recommended for cleaning complete dentures and not partial ones.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Vinegar Solution
Step 1. Find a container large enough to hold the dentures
Get a glass, cup, bowl, or washable food container to pour the solution into. Make sure it is large enough to fully immerse the prosthesis.
If possible, take a glass container to prevent vinegar from damaging plastic or other permeable containers
Step 2. Purchase distilled white vinegar
To prepare the cleaning solution it is necessary to use the white one. Food grade or flavored vinegar can transfer fragrances to dentures, leaving an unpleasant taste.
- You can find bottles of distilled white vinegar at relatively low prices in major supermarkets.
- Do not use apple cider vinegar, red, balsamic vinegar and any other vinegar other than distilled white.
Step 3. Mix one part of water with one part of vinegar
Pour the two liquids in equal parts into the container you have chosen to clean the prosthesis; make sure you put in adequate amount to completely submerge it.
You can make it a habit to follow this procedure every night before going to bed, pouring the water and vinegar into the container when you wash your face or when you undress to put on your pajamas, so that all you have to do next it is simply soaking in your dentures when you go to bed
Step 4. Ask your dentist for confirmation before using vinegar
Before starting this cleansing routine, you need to get your doctor's approval. If you have a partial denture, for example, unpleasant side effects may arise in the long run.
This is because vinegar has slightly corrosive properties and could damage the metal parts of these dentures
Part 2 of 3: Soak the Denture
Step 1. Leave the dentures to soak for 15 minutes each day
A good rule of thumb for treating partial dentures with vinegar is to keep them submerged for only 15 minutes once a day. This limited exposure to acid allows dirt and tartar residues to be removed without damaging the metal hooks.
Step 2. Put the denture in the vinegar solution every night
If you notice that massive deposits of tartar are starting to build up on your dentures, it is time to proceed with the night treatment to soften them.
- Remember that if you have partial dentures, you shouldn't soak them in vinegar all night unless your dentist authorizes you to do so.
- If you don't see any traces of tartar, limit yourself to the daily 15-minute treatments.
- If you want to do the treatment regularly, be aware that some dentists recommend using a 10% solution of vinegar diluted in water and soaking the dentures for only 8 hours.
Step 3. Check to see if tartar and other dirt deposits are starting to loosen
In most cases, vinegar does not completely dissolve the tartar but softens it, allowing you to brush it off the next morning. It is not the vinegar itself that removes the stains, but it facilitates the action of the toothbrush.
Part 3 of 3: Clean the Denture
Step 1. Dip your toothbrush in a solution of water and bleach
You should bathe it with an equal parts solution of these two substances once a week to prevent bacterial growth. Then rinse it thoroughly before using it on the prosthesis.
Step 2. Remove the dentures from the vinegar solution
The next morning, put the container in the bathroom sink and fill the sink with water. Remove the prosthesis from the vinegar mixture using your hands and making sure it stays under the water; this acts a bit like a "cushion" and reduces the risk of damage if the prosthesis slips out of your hands.
Step 3. Brush the denture with the clean toothbrush
Now you need to scrub your dentures to get rid of the remaining, but softer stains and tartar. If you proceed with this treatment every morning after leaving the prosthesis to soak overnight, you can eliminate plaque, food particles and bacteria.
- If the spots don't go away after the first night treatment, repeat it until you get the desired results.
- If the stains don't go away no matter how long you soak your dentures, you need to talk to your dentist. they could be coffee, yellowish or any other type of stains.
- Scrub every surface of the prosthesis, both inside and outside, with a specific toothbrush or toothbrush. Make sure the accessory is wet and do not apply excessive pressure.
Step 4. Rinse the dentures thoroughly
After cleaning all the surfaces, you need to rinse them well. Proceed carefully and continue rinsing until you no longer see traces of tartar or stains and no longer smell the vinegar. This step helps eliminate any dirt residue and takes away the smell of vinegar.
Step 5. Discard the cleaning solution
After using it to immerse the prosthesis, you must throw it away; you cannot reuse it, as it now contains residues of dirt, tartar, bacteria and whatever else was on the dentures.
