Can You Sterilise Your Dentures in Boiling Water?

If you look after your dentures carefully, then they'll last for years. However, as time passes, dentures can start to show signs of age even if they stay in one piece and fit OK.

If you now feel that you can't get your dentures really clean and you think they smell a bit nasty even after cleaning, then you'll be looking for ways to give them a refresh. You may have heard that you can sterilise dentures and get them totally clean by putting them in boiling water.

Should you do this? Are there any alternatives that will give your teeth a deep enough clean?

How Boiling Water Works on Dentures

Boiling water is a good way to sterilise some things, but dentures aren't one of them. If you boil your dentures, you may give them an intensive clean that gets rid of some stains and bacteria, but you're also likely to ruin your teeth.

Dentures shouldn't go into water that is anything above a warm temperature. If they are exposed to hot or boiling water, even for a short time, then their acrylic structure will be affected by the heat.

So, your dentures may come out cleaner and fresher if you boil them or soak them in very hot water, but you're unlikely to be able to get them in your mouth again. Hot water warps denture acrylics.

This changes their shape and, once this happens, you're stuffed. You can't get the dentures back into their original shape again. You're more likely to need to order a new set of teeth.

Alternatives to Boiling Water Sterilisation

If you don't soak your dentures overnight in a denture deep-cleaning solution, then this is worth a try. These solutions fizz away at the teeth and remove minor stains and lingering bacteria. If you get in the habit of doing this regularly, then your dentures may get a new lease of life.

If you've tried this and it doesn't really work any longer, then your best bet is to ask your dentist for advice. Your dentist may be able to give your dentures a professional deep clean in their clinic, or they can arrange for the dentures to be cleaned by a specialist clinic if they don't have the right equipment.

Your dentist can also suggest other ways to keep your dentures clean and fresh over and above brushing and soaking. So, keep boiling water for making cuppas and take your teeth to the dentist. Contact local dentist services for more information. 

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