Dentures have a unique shape that is not really seen in natural teeth. Therefore, they have their own toothbrush that is specifically designed to clean dentures. These toothbrushes are called dental brushes. However, you may find yourself without a dental brush and this is where a standard toothbrush can come in handy. Standard toothbrushes are often used as viable replacements for dental brushes because if they are used properly they can clean your dentures thoroughly. Using your toothbrush as a dental brush can be tricky at first; luckily, there are a few tips that you can use to get a better understanding.

Check to Make Sure that Your Toothbrush has Soft bristles

Your dentures are extremely durable to withstanding intense force, but they can easily develop surface damage. A hard bristled toothbrush is the fastest way to cause superficial damage to your dentures. In order to check whether you have a hard-bristled toothbrush, take the tips of your finger and drag it along the bristles of your toothbrush. If the bristles are extremely resistant to movement and feel stiff, then your toothbrush is hard bristled. If they move gently against your finger and feel much softer, then you have a soft bristled toothbrush. If you are purchasing a new toothbrush you can check the packaging before purchasing. It will list whether or not the toothbrush is soft or hard bristled.

Use a Smaller Toothbrush for Your Inner Denture

Dentures have a unique shape that makes them difficult to clean with just a standard toothbrush. If you use your normal toothbrush, then you may still notice contaminants and debris that are lingering on the surface and corners of your dentures. A denture brush is usually constructed with two sides. One side is used to clean the surface of your dentures while the other side is specifically designed for the small grooves and corners. You can achieve something similar by using a smaller toothbrush to access the inner and hard to reach areas of your dentures. You can alternate between a larger toothbrush and smaller one to ensure that the entire surface is cleaned before placing the denture back into your mouth.

Failing to use a toothbrush correctly to clean your dentures can leave your dental device with excessive buildup. Therefore, use these tips to help you get the hang of using a toothbrush instead of a denture brush to clean your dentures. For more information, contact offices like Treasured Smiles Dentistry.