How to Care for Your Dentures

Dentures must be cared for in the same way that teeth are to avoid plaque formation and the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Cleaning and disinfecting dentures are crucial for maintaining oral soft-tissue health. To keep removable, partial, and full dentures clean, stain-free, and in good condition, special care is required. Cleaning dentures involves more than just brushing. Plaque and food clings to dentures in the same way that they stick to natural teeth, and, without proper denture care, you risk gum disease and bad breath. While dentures are sturdy, they are also prone to damage. If you have dentures, proper cleaning and care will help them last for at least 7 to 10 years.

We have a few denture-care tips for you to help extend the life and beauty of your dentures. They are as follows:

• If you can’t always clean your dentures after every meal, make sure to rinse and brush them with a denture cleanser at least once a day to remove plaque, food, and other particles. While cleaning your dentures once a day is recommended, brushing them twice a day is even better. When brushing dentures, do not use toothpaste. If you have partial dentures, remember to brush, and floss, your remaining natural teeth daily.
• Dentures are delicate and prone to breakage. While cleaning, be gentle with your dentures. Place a towel on the counter or in the sink, or fill the sink with water, so the dentures don’t break if you drop them.
• To remove food debris and other loose particles, rinse your dentures with water, then brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive denture cleanser. Denture cleaners should not be used inside the mouth.
• Soak dentures overnight in water or a mild denture-soaking solution. Avoid hot or boiling water as it can cause your dentures to change shape.
• Don’t sleep in your dentures. When you sleep with your dentures, you put pressure on your gums and the bone beneath them. Wearing your dentures at night when sleeping also deprives your gums of bacteria-free rest and can affect the flow of saliva in the mouth, resulting in a condition known as denture stomatitis.
• Before putting your dentures back into your mouth in the morning, thoroughly rinse them with water, especially if you used a denture cleansing solution. The chemicals in the solution can have adverse effects if not rinsed off thoroughly.
• If you use a denture adhesive, make sure to use the correct amount. Remove the adhesive from the dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap, and water every night. Gargle with warm salt water and wipe your gums, along with the roof of your mouth, with a clean washcloth to remove any denture adhesive residue.
• If your dentures break, contact your dentist right away. Do not attempt to repair broken dentures on your own. This can lead to further damage to the dentures.
• It is important to keep dentures immersed in water or a denture solution when not in use. Dentures have microscopic holes, so keeping them moist is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your dentures. Otherwise, the acrylic will dry out and lose its shape over time, causing the dentures to become brittle and not fit properly.

Dentures can be damaged by various chemicals and handling techniques. You should avoid the following:

• Abrasive cleaning products. Brushes with stiff bristles, strong cleansers, and harsh toothpaste are all too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
• Whitening toothpaste. Toothpaste marketed as whitening pastes most often contains peroxide, which has an adverse effect on the color of the denture teeth.
• Products containing bleach. Avoid using bleaching products because they can weaken and alter the color of your dentures. Dentures with metal attachments should not be soaked in chlorine-containing solutions because the metal will tarnish and corrode.
• Avoid using sharp objects. Toothpicks and dental scrapers should not be used on dentures because they can easily slip and damage the tissue in your mouth.

With proper care, dentures can last for a number of years and provide years of satisfaction.  Call our Love My Smile Center helpline today at (833) 900-1050 for any denture need. You can also email us at help@lovemysmilecenter.com to schedule an appointment.