Making the decision to get dentures can be a tough choice for some, however, with proper care and the right fit, dentures can allow you to eat the foods you enjoy and smile with confidence. Taking proper care of your dentures is important and can help them last longer. If you fail to correctly care of your dentures they can dry out and warp, can be uncomfortable to wear, or they can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
How to Make Your Dentures Last Longer and Stay Comfortable
Taking care of your new dentures is much easier than you may think. There are some simple steps you can follow they will ensure your dentures remain clean and in good condition.
1. Brush Your Mouth
Good oral health and proper denture care begins with taking care of your mouth. Even if you don’t have any natural teeth remaining, you should still brush your palate, gums, and tongue daily, using a soft brush, before you put your dentures in for the day.
Brushing your mouth will stimulate circulation, while removing food particles.
2. Clean Your Dentures
Keeping your dentures clean is very important and should be done daily. To clean your dentures, remove them and rinse them under running water after each meal. This will remove food particles that can get trapped and cause harmful bacteria.
If you can’t rinse off your dentures after each meal, don’t worry. Rinsing them at least once a day and using a mild denture cleaning solution with a soft denture brush will work just fine. This will help remove plaque and can prevent stains. It’s also important to brush the entire denture, not just the teeth.
If you use a denture adhesive make sure you remove the adhesive using a denture brush, prior to cleaning with water or a denture solution.
3. Safely Store Your Dentures
While dentures should be worn full time, the gums can still require a break. Most people will remove their dentures at night. When you aren’t wearing your dentures, it’s important to store them correctly and safely. Proper storage can be as simple as soaking them in a denture solution or a cup of water.
Use a glass and pour the denture solution or water over the denture. In the morning, if you use a denture solution, remember to rinse off the dentures before putting them in your mouth, otherwise, you are at risk of pain, burning, or vomiting caused by the chemicals found in denture cleaners.
4. Handle Your Dentures Carefully
Dentures can last for several years if handled properly. But if you’re not careful, you can significantly shorten the lifespan of your new dentures. When you remove them or put them in, do so over a folded towel. This way, if you drop them, they will land safely and not crack on a hard surface.
When you clean your dentures, also do so over a soft surface. Even a simple drop in the sink can cause a major crack.
5. Prevent Warping By Keeping them Moist
When the dentures aren’t in your mouth they must be stored in a denture cleanser solution or water, to prevent them from drying out and warping. If the dentures warp they can be unwearable or very uncomfortable.
Denture Dos and Don’ts
Don’t:
- Soak your dentures in a denture solution and not rinse them off before putting them in your mouth
- Use toothpaste to clean them
- Use a bleaching product or whitening toothpaste
- Use a stiff-bristled brush to clean them
- Clean them before removing the denture adhesive
- Use an abrasive toothpaste or an abrasive cleaning material
Do:
- Clean them as often as possible and make sure you pay attention to the teeth as well as the surface of dentures
- Brush your mouth first thing in the morning and/or right before bed
- Rinse the dentures after each meal to remove food debris
- Store dentures in water or a special denture cleanser solution to prevent warping
- See your dentist regularly for a dental checkup and have your dentures relined as needed, for a proper denture fit
- Make an appointment with your dentist for denture repair if your dentures become damaged
Contact a Denture Health Professional at Stuart Curry Dentistry Today
Responsible denture care can extend the life of your dentures. If you currently have dentures and your dentures are damaged or no longer fit properly, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentures may need to be relined or replaced. If you don’t have dentures but you are missing several teeth, you may be a good candidate for dentures. Contact our facility today to schedule an appointment with a denture health professional to learn whether dentures are a good choice for you.
By keeping your dentures clean, storing them properly, and following the other steps mentioned here, you can ensure your dentures last for many years to come. Make sure you see your denture specialist annually or semi-annually to ensure your dentures continue to fit properly and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence.