What Is the Best Way to Care for Your Dentures?

Proper denture care is vital in order to keep your dentures looking their best. Not only can poor denture care cause stains and damage, but it can also even introduce dangerous bacteria to your mouth. If you don’t clean and handle dentures properly, they won’t last as long– and you won’t look your best. The following are key tips on the best way to care for your dentures:

 

• Handle dentures gently. Don’t bend the plastic, and make sure not to damage the clasps when removing or cleaning dentures. Also, be aware that dentures may be slippery, as they are often wet. It may be a good idea to put a towel down in the sink in case you drop your dentures to prevent them from breaking.
• Rinse your dentures after you eat.Food particles should be removed from your dentures as quickly as possible to avoid staining and damage. Simply remove and gently rinse your dentures in cold water after each meal or snack, and then put them back in.
• Brush your dentures with a specialized denture brush daily. Rinsing your dentures isn’t enough to get them truly clean. This requires a more in-depth brushing. Use a denture brush– not a toothbrush!– and a denture cleaner to remove food, plaque, and other build-up from the dentures on a daily basis before it has a chance to get stuck to the surface.
• Carefully remove all the adhesive on a daily basis.If you use a denture adhesive, pay extra attention to the the grooves that fit against your gums when brushing your dentures. You need to remove all remaining adhesive every day or the buildup will make your dentures fit poorly over time.
• Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and cool water on dentures. Whitening toothpaste, products containing bleach, and other abrasive cleaners may sound like a great way to remove stains, but they erode the denture material. Instead, use a gentle cleanser formulated specifically for dentures. Also, be careful not to use hot water when cleaning dentures. The high temperatures can warp the shape!
• Clean your mouth twice a day after removing your dentures. Whether you have remaining natural teeth left or not, you need to gently brush your gums, your tongue, your inner cheeks, and the roof your mouth every day. This removes plaque-causing bacteria that could damage dentures and keeps your mouth healthy.
• Soak your dentures when you remove them overnight. Almost all dentures need to retain moisture to keep their shape. This requires soaking them in water or a mild denture solution overnight. Talk to your dentist about the best method of storing your particular dentures when you are not wearing them.
• See your dentist regularly, especially if you see damage or are experiencing fit issues. Regular dental check-ups ensure that your dentures stay in the best condition possible and last longer. Your dentist will examine for preventable future issues and professionally clean areas you can’t get spotless. If you have problems with your dentures, don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment to see your dentist. Small damage can quickly become much worse without immediate attention, and poorly fitting dentures can cause irritation, mouth sores, and infection.

It may sound like a lot, but taking the time to follow the best way to care for your dentures is worth the effort. Proper denture care ensures that your dentures last longer and look better, saving you money and making you feel more confident.