(Newswire.net — February 13, 2021) —
When it comes to choosing toothpaste for dentures there are a dizzying array of options. Not only that, but it can get very confusing about what is good for your dentures and what is harmful. For example, using hot water to soak your dentures may seem like a harmless and natural option but did you realize doing so may cause your dentures to warp?
On the other hand, it’s tempting to think that because dentures aren’t your actual teeth you can clean them with more severe cleaning products than you would normally use in your own mouth. In this article, we’re going to cut through the marketing jargon and get to the root of what really makes the best toothpaste for dentures.
Once you get your teeth into these principles, you’ll see which products are worth using and those you should leave on the shelf. Now that’s something that’ll put a smile on your face.
Natural Versus Man-Made
When thinking about denture care, it’s good first to understand the difference between natural teeth and those that are man-made as part of a set of dentures. It’s amazing how strong natural teeth are when compared to dentures.
The surface of a tooth is mainly made up of minerals, in fact, over 95 percent is mineral. This makes a tooth very strong and resistant to wear. Some teeth discovered by archeologists are thousands of years old; testimony to the fact that teeth can outlast their owner.
In contrast, made-made dentures from materials like acrylic are a lot more fragile and vulnerable to cracking. So, denture cleaning requires more care and special attention than even normal teeth. Worse still, is that tiny cracks in your dentures can become a refuge site for horrible bacteria, giving you bad breath.
So the take-home principle here is what’s good for your teeth is not good for your dentures. You need dental toothpaste specially designed for dentures and their more fragile nature.
Understanding Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral within your body, it occurs particularly in your bones and teeth. When you eat food, small particles of food remain trapped in your mouth around your teeth and gums. That food breaks down into acids and sugars that eat away at your teeth causing their mineral content to reduce. Brushing your teeth with fluoride helps to build those minerals up again in your teeth.
This has a positive effect on preventing bacteria and tooth disease. That said, fluoride is abrasive on softer surfaces than tooth enamel such as acrylics and plastics. That means, that while fluoride is an excellent ingredient for normal toothpaste, it’s a bad idea for dentures.
So here’s an oral hygiene tip. When you remove your partial or full dentures, you should still brush using a fluoride-based toothpaste but don’t use this toothpaste on your dentures. This way, you’ll get the best of both worlds; protection from fluoride on the vulnerable parts of your mouth but without the damage to your dentures.
Toothpaste for Dentures With Active Ingredients
What are active ingredients? They’re chemical compounds that have been specifically formulated within the toothpaste to achieve a specific purpose. Some of these active ingredients are very beneficial, whereas others you may wish to stay away from.
Examples are things like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerin, and Titanium Dioxide. These active ingredients can serve to help remove plaque and tartar, as well as stubborn stains.
They also may help to kill bacteria. Some active ingredients are vitamin-based and can help soothe sore parts of your mouth as well. That said, you’re wise to check what these active ingredients are and if you feel comfortable using them.
Trust the Experts
One way of helping you to narrow down your search for the right denture toothpaste to suit you is to look to an expert organization to make recommendations. For example, the American Dental Association has been running a program for product approval and acceptance since the early 1930s.
A denture toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA means that it has been tested and is both safe and effective as a denture toothpaste. This is an excellent starting point in choosing a toothpaste that will suit your needs.
Besides making sure your toothpaste has the stamp of approval from the ADA, there are other excellent organizations that provide guidance on denture care which when coupled with denture toothpaste offers an excellent means for looking after your dentures. The Center for Oral Health is a good example.
Still, sometimes the stains on your dentures such as those that come from smoking, drinking wine, or coffee are just too stubborn to remove by yourself without damaging your dentures. In which case, you need to consult a dentist with a good reputation that you can trust to help you.
Keep Smiling
The human smile is powerful. You have even reason to protect yours by looking after your oral hygiene. In this article, you’ve read about the best toothpaste for dentures.
The bottom line is that dentures are more fragile than teeth. There are lots of choices out there but make sure you use a product that is not abrasive and if it has active ingredients, make sure you know what they are what they’re supposed to do.
You will always get a helping hand from the ADA. In the meantime, check out more news articles on our many channels that fit with your lifestyle.