Complete loss of all teeth is an irreversible clinical condition that can be considered the ultimate indicator of oral disease burden. In Poland, about 9 million people wear dental prostheses, which shows how common this phenomenon is. British studies indicate that one in five adults and two-thirds of seniors over 75 years old use some form of removable dental prosthesis.
Unfortunately, wearing a dental prosthesis is often associated with various oral health problems, such as stomatitis or mucositis. These diseases are often caused by infection with yeast-like fungi from the Candida strain. In Poland, nearly 40% of patients wearing prostheses struggle with this problem, with stomatopathies occurring more frequently in women than in men. Poor oral hygiene is one of the main factors leading to these diseases.
Several factors influence the development of diseases associated with wearing dental prostheses, such as saliva pH, smoking, sugar consumption, oral candidiasis, and the duration of prosthesis use. However, the key element is its cleanliness. The bacterial biofilm that forms on the surface of prostheses is difficult to remove, and its presence can lead to serious health problems.
Due to the prevalence of dental prostheses and related health problems, it is important to follow strict hygiene rules. Current evidence-based guidelines emphasize the importance of removing bacterial biofilm to maintain good oral health and overall patient health.
The most important information you will read in our text:
- Daily care of dental prostheses is essential to maintain oral hygiene at the highest level,
- Avoiding the use of baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid in cleaning dentures is crucial to prevent damage to their surface,
- Using specialized cleaning agents prevents damage and discoloration of dentures,
- The Zent Care ultrasonic cleaner provides the highest hygiene for dentures without causing damage to them,
- Regular and proper cleaning of dentures prevents the accumulation of bacteria and oral infections.
Cleaning dentures with baking soda – is it really a good idea?
Baking soda is a popular cleaning agent used in many household applications. It is known for its cleaning and antibacterial properties. Many people may consider using it to clean dentures because it seems like a natural and inexpensive solution. However, although baking soda may seem like a good idea at first glance, using it to clean dentures can do more harm than good.
Baking soda has abrasive properties that can be effective in removing stains and contaminants from various surfaces. However, these same properties can damage the delicate surface of dentures. Regular use of baking soda to clean dentures can lead to micro-damages that over time may weaken the denture's structure and shorten its lifespan.
Baking soda, being an abrasive substance, can cause fine scratches on the surface of dentures. Micro-damages can become places where bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of oral infections. Additionally, regular use of baking soda can also cause changes in the shape of the denture, affecting its fit and wearing comfort.
Instead of using baking soda, it is recommended to use specialized cleaning agents designed for dentures. They are designed to effectively remove contaminants without damaging the delicate structure of the denture.
Cleaning dental prostheses with vinegar – a natural cleaning method, but is it suitable for everything?
Vinegar is another popular cleaning agent used in many home methods. Its disinfecting and cleaning properties are well known, which may encourage its use in cleaning dental prostheses. But is cleaning a dental prosthesis with vinegar a good idea?
Vinegar is an acidic agent that effectively dissolves deposits and kills bacteria. Its use may seem effective in removing tartar and other contaminants from dentures. However, the acidic properties of vinegar can be harmful to the materials from which dental prostheses are made.
Regular use of vinegar to clean dental prostheses can lead to degradation of the denture material. Acidic agents can weaken the denture structure, causing brittleness and susceptibility to cracks. Furthermore, vinegar can cause discoloration of the denture, affecting its aesthetics.
Cleaning a dental prosthesis with hydrogen peroxide – yes or no?
Hydrogen peroxide is a popular disinfectant used in many medical and household applications. Its antibacterial properties may encourage its use in cleaning dental prostheses. But is cleaning a dental prosthesis with hydrogen peroxide a good idea?
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a disinfectant that effectively kills bacteria and viruses. It can be used to disinfect surfaces, wounds, and other areas requiring cleanliness. However, its use on dental prostheses can be risky.
Hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to denture material, especially with regular use. Its oxidizing properties can weaken the denture structure, leading to brittleness and susceptibility to cracks. Additionally, prolonged use of hydrogen peroxide can cause discoloration of the denture, affecting its aesthetics.
Cleaning dental dentures with citric acid - is it a good idea?
Citric acid is a commonly used cleaning agent in home methods. Its dissolving and disinfecting properties may encourage its use in cleaning dental dentures. But is cleaning a denture with citric acid safe?
Citric acid is a strong dissolving agent that effectively removes deposits and tartar. It can be used to clean many surfaces at home. However, its acidic properties can be harmful to the materials from which dental dentures are made.
Regular use of citric acid to clean dentures can lead to degradation of the denture material. Acidic agents can weaken the denture structure, causing brittleness and susceptibility to cracks. Additionally, citric acid can cause discoloration of the denture, affecting its aesthetics.
Dental denture care with the ZENT Ultrasonic Cleaner
One of the most effective ways to clean dentures is the ZENT ultrasonic cleaner. The cleaner was designed for thorough and gentle cleaning of dental prostheses, ensuring the highest hygiene without the risk of damage.
The ZENT ultrasonic cleaner uses ultrasonic technology that generates millions of microscopic bubbles. The bubbles implode, removing all impurities, bacteria, and deposits from the denture surface. The technology is gentle enough not to damage the denture, while effectively eliminating bacterial biofilm that can cause infections and unpleasant odors. That is why the ultrasonic cleaner is the best choice for people wearing dentures who want to care for their health and comfort.
About the Author
Aleks Barszczewski is a graduate of Fordham University in New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems. As an oral hygiene enthusiast and a patient using Invisalign aligners, Aleks combines his knowledge with experience to share practical tips for daily dental care. His blog posts are based on scientific research and personal experiences related to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.
