Health Tip: Caring for Your Dentures

(HealthDay News) -- Taking care of your dentures will help reduce the bacteria in your mouth and will help prevent those false teeth from becoming stained.

Dentures should be cleaned at least once a day with the appropriate cleaners and utensils.

Always use a soft-bristled brush made specifically for cleaning dentures, suggests the American Dental Association. Regular toothbrushes may also be used, but avoid any hard-bristled brush that may damage dentures. Your dentist can recommend an ADA-approved cleaning solution, but a gentle handsoap or dishwashing liquid is also safe to use.

Your dentures should first be thoroughly rinsed, then the entire surface brushed using the cleanser. You should be careful to brush gently to avoid breaking the dentures.

When not in use, the dentures should always be stored in water or in a soaking solution to prevent them from drying out and cracking.