Once they have been put in place, dental prostheses must be cleaned, looked after, repaired and checked with the same care and regularity with which we treat our natural teeth. This is the only way to be sure they will remain just as comfortable, efficient, safe and attractive as they were on the first day they were put in place. Cleaning dental prostheses After each meal, removable prostheses should be taken out and rinsed with water to eliminate the greater part of the food debris, and the natural teeth brushed , before inserting them once more. A more careful cleaning of the prostheses should be carried out at the end of each day. The fact the prostheses can be removed from the mouth for cleaning means suitable cleaning products can be used. Prosthetic brushes have a larger and longer group of bristles on one side, which enables the outer part of the prosthesis and teeth to be brushed. On the other side there is a narrower, pointed set of bristles that enables brushing of the narrow inner areas of the tooth hooks. Toothpaste causes wear and irregularities on the surface of the prosthesis, making it rough. This can result in a greater accumulation of debris and pigments, which will in turn make it more difficult to clean the prosthesis while providing a hospitable environment for bacteria and fungi that damage the health of the oral tissues. Therefore, the use of toothpaste to clean prostheses is not recommended. Specific products for cleaning dental prostheses There are several specific products available on the market for daily cleaning of prostheses: Soluble tablets: these are recommended for immersion of the prosthesis, as they help to dislodge debris. This makes it easier to remove debris before brushing, which should be carried out after this; Neutral soap or foam (blue and white): prostheses can be brushed with these easily accessible products, which clean without causing damage to the prosthesis while preventing the accumulation of micro-organisms. Disinfection of dental prostheses In addition to daily cleaning, antimicrobial disinfection of the prostheses should be carried out once a week to avoid microorganisms becoming established in the prostheses. This can be done in two ways: If the prosthesis has metallic components, effervescent tablets containing active oxygen should be used; If the prosthesis is exclusively acrylic, in addition to the previous tablets, you can use a home solution by diluting a spoonful of bleach in a glass of water. Prostheses need regular checking and adjustment to make sure that they fit properly, so six-monthly visits to the dentist are essential. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, there are dentists who will monitor your oral health. Author : Carolina Damião Ferreira Meet the Dentistry team of Hospital da Luz network The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
