Removing tartar from false teeth is an important part of caring for dentures. Tartar, or calculus, is a hard deposit that can form on both natural teeth and dentures. When tartar builds up on false teeth, it can cause bad breath, irritation of the gums, and increased risk for decay and infection. That is why regularly removing tartar from dentures is essential for oral health.
How to Remove Tartar from False Teeth? This critical question for denture wearers must be addressed to maintain clean, healthy dentures. Tartar on false teeth causes discomfort and more dental problems if ignored. Learning suitable methods to remove stubborn tartar deposits preserves your smile.
Effective tartar removal from dentures involves using specific tartar-control toothpastes and mouthwashes for false teeth. Also helpful are denture-cleaning tablets to dissolve tartar. For significant buildup, take dentures to the dentist for professional cleaning. With proper daily care and occasional deep cleanings, you can keep false teeth tartar-free.
How do I remove tartar from my dentures?
To remove tartar from dentures, first gather supplies like a denture brush, denture cleaner, warm water, and white vinegar. Soak dentures in warm water to loosen tartar. Then use a denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to gently scrub away tartar. An alternative is creating a baking soda paste and gently scrubbing with it.
Soaking dentures in white vinegar can also help dissolve tartar, but too much vinegar can damage dentures over time. Getting annual professional cleanings at your dentist’s office helps remove stubborn tartar and plaque.
What causes tartar buildup on dentures?
Tartar, also called calculus, forms on dentures when plaque mixes with minerals in saliva. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that accumulates on dentures if not properly cleaned. The plaque interacts with saliva and hardens into tartar deposits on denture surfaces.
Factors like inconsistent oral hygiene, high-sugar diets, dry mouth, and improper denture fit can also contribute to increased plaque and tartar formation. With regular cleaning, you can prevent plaque from turning into stubborn tartar on your dentures.
What problems can tartar on dentures cause?
5 problems that tartar on dentures can cause:
- Tartar can lead to gum inflammation, irritation, and infection since it harbors bacteria next to the gums. This can make wearing dentures painful.
- Buildup of tartar on dentures can cause bad breath due to increased bacteria in the mouth.
- Tartar contributes to stains and discoloration of dentures over time, affecting their appearance.
- As tartar accumulates, it creates more surface area for even more plaque and tartar to stick to, worsening the problem.
- Tartar makes dentures fit poorly by compromising their shape and integrity. It can alter the bite relationship with remaining teeth.
When should I clean tartar off my dentures?
Ideally, light tartar should be cleaned from dentures daily before bedtime as part of your oral hygiene routine. This prevents excessive buildup. Weekly, do a deeper cleaning by soaking dentures in denture cleaner to help dissolve tartar deposits and debris missed by regular brushing.
Getting a professional cleaning at your dental clinic every 3-6 months is also recommended depending on your individual oral health needs. This allows the dentist to remove stubborn tartar in places difficult to reach at home.
What are signs I need a denture tartar removal?
Some clear signs that you should get a professional denture tartar removal include visible thick tartar deposits that reappear quickly after brushing, red and inflamed gums, persistent bad breath, loose fitting dentures due to tartar buildup, discomfort or sores from dentures rubbing, and increased tooth decay or gum disease symptoms if you still have any original teeth. Getting routine dental checkups allows your dentist to assess your tartar buildup and recommend proper treatment.
What home remedies remove tartar from dentures?
Some effective home remedies to remove tartar from dentures include using a baking soda paste, soaking dentures in a vinegar and water solution, Remove Hardened Plaque From Dentures using hydrogen peroxide, and brushing with denture toothpaste or cream.
Gently scrubbing dentures with these homemade cleaners helps break down and dislodge stubborn tartar deposits. Be sure to thoroughly rinse dentures after soaking to wash away dissolved tartar particles.
Can I use baking soda to clean denture tartar at home?
Baking soda is an excellent home remedy for cleaning tartar off dentures. To use it, mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the dentures and gently scrub with a soft bristle toothbrush.
The abrasive properties of baking soda help remove plaque and stains without damaging the denture surface. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing. Baking soda cleans effectively while being very affordable and easy to find. Just remember to always scrub gently when using any abrasive cleaners on dentures.
Will vinegar help remove tartar from my dentures?
Soaking dentures in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and warm water can help dissolve tartar. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down plaque deposits. Let dentures soak for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a denture brush and rinsing thoroughly. Vinegar is a tartar-removing home remedy that is also economical and readily available. Be aware it can damage metal components, so skip the vinegar treatment if dentures contain metal.
Can I use lemon juice to remove tartar from dentures?
Lemon juice has acid. The acid can dissolve plaque. Plaque is soft tartar. But lemon juice acid can damage dentures. The acid can make small cracks in dentures.
Cracks make places for more plaque. Cracks make dentures not fit well. So lemon juice can help remove some tartar. But it can also damage dentures over time. It is better to avoid using lemon juice.
Here is a table comparing using lemon juice versus other methods to remove tartar from dentures:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Lemon Juice | – Helps dissolve plaque- Easy to use | – Can damage dentures- Not safe for long-term use |
| Baking Soda | – Safe for dentures- Removes some plaque | – Less effective at dissolving tartar |
| Vinegar Soak | – Breaks up tartar- Kills bacteria | – Can’t remove all tartar |
| Ultrasonic Cleaner | – Best tartar removal- Most thorough | – Need special equipment |
| Dentist Cleaning | – Safely removes all tartar- Polishes dentures | – Costs money- Need appointments |
What household cleaners work for denture tartar removal?
Effective household cleaners for removing tartar from dentures include baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and non-abrasive denture creams or toothpaste. Using warm water to soak dentures before scrubbing also helps loosen attached tartar.
Avoid household cleaners like bleach, mouthwash, and lemon juice, as these can damage dentures over time. And remember to always brush and rinse dentures gently to prevent scratches that enable more plaque buildup.
How do I manually remove tartar from dentures?
To manually remove tartar from dentures, first gather supplies like a denture brush, denture cleaner, warm water, and white vinegar. Soak the dentures in warm water to loosen debris. Then brush them gently with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to lift tartar.
Create a baking soda paste and apply it to dentures, then scrub with brush. Finally, soak dentures in white vinegar, which naturally dissolves tartar. Rinse dentures thoroughly afterwards. Repeating this routine regularly keeps tartar from accumulating.
What tools do I need to manually clean denture tartar?
You need a few basic tools to effectively yet gently remove tartar from dentures through manual scrubbing. First, use a soft-bristled denture brush that is designed not to damage the denture surface while scrubbing. Choose a non-abrasive denture cleaner that breaks down tartar without scratching.
For a more hands-off approach, denture cleaning tablets can also lift tartar. Additionally, create a paste with baking soda and water to use its mild abrasive properties against plaque. Finally, white vinegar naturally dissolves tartar for soaking dentures without harming them. With these simple, inexpensive homemade tartar removal solutions and tools, you can thoroughly clean dentures.
What is the best technique for scrubbing tartar off dentures?
The most effective technique entails first soaking dentures in warm water to loosen debris and soften tartar for easier removal. Then, gently brush dentures with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner, taking care not to scrub too vigorously. Pay extra attention to tartar-prone areas like teeth ridges and hard-to-reach crevices.
Apply a baking soda paste and lightly brush it around dentures to lift plaque. Finally, soak dentures in white vinegar, which naturally breaks down tartar over time with no scrubbing needed. Rinsing dentures thoroughly after soaking and allowing to air dry keeps them clean longest. Repeating this routine regularly prevents heavy tartar accumulation.
How can I avoid damaging dentures when removing tartar?
To avoid denture damage when manually removing tartar, only use cleaning solutions and tools designed specifically for dentures. Harsh, abrasive toothpastes and stiff-bristled toothbrushes can scratch the delicate denture material. Likewise, avoid other strong chemicals like bleach that can degrade and corrode dentures over time. Soak dentures in white vinegar or non-abrasive, pH-balanced cleaners instead.
In addition, brush gently when scrubbing with toothbrush or baking soda paste, and opt for denture cleaning tablets for a more hands-off approach. Limit brushing to 2-3 times per day at most, and thoroughly rinse dentures after cleaning to prevent chemical residue buildup. Handling dentures carefully while cleaning and storing helps prevent cracks and breakage as well.
How can I reach tartar in hard to clean denture areas?
Denture tartar often accumulates in difficult to reach crevices and porous teeth ridges. To effectively clean these areas, use an interdental brush with a tapered end in addition to a regular denture brush. This can penetrate deep between teeth and into ridges.
For soaking solutions to penetrate tricky spots, first thoroughly brush denture surfaces before soaking in white vinegar or cleaning tablets, allowing the solutions to seep underneath during the soak. Overnight soaking gives the most contact time for hard-to-reach areas.
If tartar remains stuck on after other methods, gently scrape it away with a dental pick specifically designed not to damage denture material. Consistently removing it before heavy mineralized buildup helps keep even intricate areas clean.
Can a dentist remove stubborn denture tartar?
Dentists can remove stubborn tartar from dentures using specialized tools and methods. Even hardened tartar and plaque that has built up over time and is difficult to remove with at-home cleaning can usually be removed by a dentist. They have access to strong scaling tools that can chip away tartar without damaging the dentures.
Ultrasonic devices may also be used which break up tartar via high-frequency vibrations. Persistent soaking in chemical cleaners can also help loosen stubborn buildup so the dentist can more easily scrape it off. With the right tools and techniques, dentists can remove even the most stubborn tartar from dentures.
Do dentists offer professional denture tartar removal?
Most dentists do offer professional cleaning services specifically for removing tartar and plaque from dentures. This involves an appointment where the dentist or hygienist will use a variety of methods to thoroughly clean the dentures. They will carefully inspect the dentures and use hand tools to manually scrape off any hardened deposits.
Ultrasonic cleaners may also be used to loosen debris. The dentures are then polished to remove any remaining stains and restore their shine. Some dentists may even apply protective coatings to help prevent future buildup. Getting dentures professionally cleaned periodically is important to remove tartar you can’t eliminate with normal brushing.
What methods will a dentist use to remove denture tartar?
Dentists have access to specialized tools and equipment to effectively remove tartar from dentures. This can include hand instruments like scalers which are used to manually chip off deposits. They also use ultrasonic cleaners which send high-frequency vibrations through water to loosen debris. Strong chemical soaks can help dissolve tartar so it can be brushed or rinsed away more easily.
Dentists also polish the dentures after cleaning to remove stains and smooth the surface. Air abrasion tools may be used to blast away remaining tartar. There are also powerful mechanical toothbrushes designed specifically for cleaning dentures. So dentists can combine manual, ultrasonic, chemical, and mechanical cleaning methods for optimal tartar removal.
How much does it cost to get denture tartar removal from a dentist?
The cost to have tartar professionally removed from dentures can range from about $40-$100 per visit depending on your location and dentist fees. Simple manual scraping may cost around $40-60 while ultrasonic cleaning or more involved procedures may cost $60-100.
Getting an annual denture cleaning is recommended for preventing major buildup so this cost should be factored into your budget as a routine denture maintenance expense. Check if your dental insurance provides any coverage for professional denture cleaning as well. Shop around different local dentists to compare pricing if the costs are a concern.
When should I take my dentures to a dentist for tartar removal?
It’s generally recommended to have your dentist remove tartar from dentures at least once per year. However, if you notice significant tartar buildup earlier than that or are experiencing irritation, bad breath, or other issues from debris on your dentures, you should schedule a cleaning right away rather than waiting.
Getting an evaluation whenever problems arise can help prevent more significant complications. Otherwise an annual cleaning is considered the standard for maintaining denture hygiene. Be sure to continue daily at-home cleaning as well using brushes, pastes and soaks to keep tartar and plaque from rapidly returning after your dentist removes it.
How do I prevent tartar buildup on dentures?
To prevent tartar buildup on dentures, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing dentures daily with a soft brush and mild cleaner. Dentures should also be removed at night to give the gums and mouth a rest.
This allows oral tissues to recover from the pressure of wearing dentures all day. Additionally, attending regular dental checkups allows dentists to monitor for early signs of tartar buildup and address issues before they escalate. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps prevent tartar by maintaining saliva flow, which naturally helps keep dentures clean.
What is the best way to store dentures to prevent tartar?
The best way to store dentures overnight to prevent tartar buildup is to keep them immersed in water or an appropriate soaking solution. Storing dentures dry can cause them to warp or crack over time, creating microscopic crevices where bacteria and tartar can accumulate.
A good storage container should fully cover the dentures in liquid to keep them hydrated. Water with a denture cleaning tablet is ideal, as the solution will help prevent bacterial growth.
What daily cleaning prevents tartar deposits on dentures?
Daily cleaning with a soft-bristled denture brush and non-abrasive paste is important to prevent tartar deposits on dentures. Gently scrubbing the dentures, especially in hard-to-reach cracks and crevices, helps remove food particles and plaque before tartar can form.
Mild dish soap or baking soda can also be used occasionally to tackle stubborn buildup. Thorough daily cleaning is key, along with routinely soaking dentures to keep them free of debris.
How often should I soak dentures to stop tartar formation?
Dentures should be soaked at least once a day to help stop tartar formation. The general recommendation is to brush dentures first to remove food debris, then soak them in an appropriate solution overnight while sleeping.
Longer soaking times allow the solution to penetrate and loosen tartar so it can be brushed away the next morning. For those with significant tartar buildup, more frequent short soakings (20-30 minutes) may be needed in addition to daily overnight soaking.
What denture cleaning products prevent tartar accumulation?
Specialty denture cleaning products such as tablets, gels and ultrasonic cleaners can help prevent tartar accumulation on dentures. Look for products containing sodium hypochlorite, alkaline peroxides, or enzymes as these ingredients work to break down plaque and tartar.
Mild dish soap or baking soda can also be used occasionally in addition to daily brushing. Avoid abrasive toothpastes or strong chemicals like bleach that could scratch or damage dentures over time.
Frequently Asked Question
What causes tartar buildup on dentures?
Tartar on dentures is caused by not cleaning properly allowing plaque to calcify into tartar.
What is the best way to clean tartar off dentures?
Use a denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner daily along with regular soaking to remove tartar from dentures.
Can I remove stubborn denture tartar at home?
You can try using baking soda or vinegar soaks at home to break down stubborn tartar on dentures.
When should I take my dentures to the dentist for tartar removal?
Take dentures to the dentist for tartar removal if home care is ineffective in fully removing tartar deposits.
How can I prevent tartar from building up on my dentures?
Prevent denture tartar by brushing twice daily with a soft brush, using mouthwash, and soaking dentures overnight.
Conclusion
Tartar buildup on false teeth is common but can be prevented and removed with proper oral hygiene. By brushing false teeth daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive paste, soaking them in denture cleaner regularly, and attending dental visits for professional cleanings, tartar accumulation can be minimized. For those with significant deposits, gently scrubbing with baking soda and soaking in vinegar or peroxide solutions can help break down and dissolve tartar so it can be brushed away.
A dedication to daily and overnight cleaning routines using specialty denture products, occasional use of home remedies, and routine dental maintenance are key to keeping false teeth free of tartar. With some time and effort, those wearing removable dentures or other dental prosthetics can maintain a healthy smile free of hardened plaque. Consulting a dentist at the first sign of issues is also recommended for optimal oral care.
