How to Clean Dentures Naturally?
Just like natural teeth, dentures can also get dirty with food particles and can develop plaque. It can even become discolored because of certain beverages and tobacco smoking. This is why it is important to clean and care for them as you would your natural teeth. But while there are so many cleaning and soaking products available in stores today, most of them can be very pricey. In fact, some of them might not be very effective.
The good news is that there are some natural alternatives that you can use to effectively clean and soak your dentures. Plus, most of these products are affordable and might even be sitting in your kitchen cabinets right now! Try using the following home recipes to maintain your dentures. You just might find them a better choice than the more expensive products you are used to.
Cleaning Dentures Naturally with Vodka
Aside from being an essential ingredient for a tasty Bloody Mary and as an efficient mold inhibitor at home, you can also use vodka to soak your dentures in. The vodka disinfects dentures and will even brighten them up. Also, you can use the vodka several times for soaking. Get yourself a wide-mouth jar, place your dentures in it, and pour enough vodka so that it is completely covered. Allow them to soak overnight, and thoroughly rinse them the next day before replacing them in your mouth.
Cleaning Dentures Naturally with Peroxide and Baking Soda
Peroxide and baking soda have been used for thousands of years not only to maintain oral health but general health as well. In a glass, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a glass and stir in a few drops of water enough to dissolve the powder. Put your dentures in the glass and add enough hydrogen peroxide so that the dentures are completely covered. Let them soak overnight, and rinse them the next day. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide, you can use plain baking soda alone. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water so that the dentures are covered. Soak overnight and rinse them the next day.
Cleaning Dentures Naturally with Bleach
In the same way that chlorine bleach can whiten clothes and disinfect household surfaces, it also does the same to dentures. Just make sure to properly dilute the bleach so it does not damage the dentures. In a glass, mix a cup of water with a teaspoon of bleach and a teaspoon of the water softener. You can find water softeners in most retail stores in the laundry section. Place the dentures in the solution and allow them to soak. Brush them and thoroughly rinse them before replacing them in your mouth. Never use a bleach solution on dentures with soft lining or metal parts because they can get destroyed.
Cleaning Dentures Naturally with Vinegar
Popularly known as a potent all-natural disinfectant, you can use vinegar to soak your dentures to get them clean. It is also very effective in inhibiting fungus growth. To use this natural ingredient, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a glass. Put the dentures in the solution and allow them to soak overnight. On the following day, brush and rinse the dentures before wearing them again.
While all the natural cleaners and soaks above have proven to work among many denture users, it also helps to consult your doctor first before trying any kind of new treatment, especially if you have an existing medical condition. It is also important that you carefully read product labels to make sure that the natural soaks and cleansers you are using do not contain any potentially harmful ingredients or chemicals.
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