Either you got partial or full removable dentures, taking good care of them is important to keep them looking their best and free from stains. You want to keep your dentures in good shape as long as possible. Learning how to take care of dentures is of utmost importance and will determine how long they last.
Either you got partial or full removable dentures, taking good care of them is important to keep them looking their best and free from stains. You want to keep your dentures in good shape as long as possible. Learning how to take care of dentures is of utmost importance and will determine how long they last.
Check out these points on how to take proper care of dentures.
Handle your Dentures with Care
Dentures are made of delicate material and can easily break if dropped. This is why we recommend you stand over a carpet or fill up your sink with water when handling them.
When you are not wearing your dentures, soak them in clean water or in a denture cleaning solution to keep them from drying. If you are using a denture cleaning solution, rinse them thoroughly before putting them back on. The chemicals in this solution may cause pain, vomiting, or burns.
Whenever you need to remove your dentures, follow the proper procedure:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or mouthwash.
- Fill the sink with water to avoid damaging your denture in case it accidentally falls.
- Place your thumb behind your front teeth pushing upward and toward your nose.
- To remove the bottom denture, apply a gentle pull along with a rocking motion.
Cleaning your Dentures
You must clean your dentures every day in order to remove food and to keep them free of stains. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to do this. A hard-bristle toothbrush can permanently harm your dentures.
So, to remove plaque and to have them always look white and shiny, brush them with a denture brush. To avoid any unpleasant odors, soak them in cleaning solution every night.
Here’s how to clean your dentures:
- Fill the sink with water to avoid any damage in case you accidentally drop them.
- Use warm water to thoroughly rinse your dentures to remove any loose food particles.
- Do not use your regular toothpaste, vinegar, bleach, or soap as these are not designed to clean your dentures. These products may actually cause scratches where unsightly plaque bacteria may harbor, producing unpleasant odors. Use our prescribed dental cleanser.
- You can use a soft-bristle brush to clean your dentures but we recommend using a denture brush instead. Even a soft brush can cause damage to your dentures. Rinse and brush with clean warm water.
- Before reinserting your dentures, brush your tongue, gums, palate, roof, and natural teeth with a fluoride toothpaste. If you use denture adhesive, remove it using gauze or soft brush.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to give yourself a refreshing feeling.
Perhaps the most important takeaway about properly cleaning your dentures is what things to avoid:
- Whitening toothpaste | These products can be really abrasive.
- Bleach | Products containing bleach changes the color of dentures and weakens them. They can also tarnish the metal components.
- Abrasive cleaning items | Such as stiff-bristled toothbrushes and harsh cleaners can seriously damage your dentures.
- Hot water | Is a good choice if you only consider sterilizing your dentures but it can also deform them.
Store your Dentures Appropriately
Remember to never put your dentures in hot water or leave them to dry. A dried out denture will more easily crook. Whenever you are not using them, they should be placed in room temperature water or a recommended denture solution. We will prescribe the best denture solution to keep your denture in optimal condition.
During the night, place the dentures in a safe place, making sure they cannot fall from a bump to the table. If you put them in water during the day, keep them far from children and pets. Kids will see them as potential toys and dogs love to chew on them.
Do not leave them unattended on top of a counter as they could accidentally be pushed to the floor.
Come to Periodic Checkups
The standard routine to get your dentures checked by your dentist is 6 months. But this will depend on your particular case. At the clinic, we will talk to you about what your periodicity will be.
Routine checkups are necessary to check if the dentures are still a good fit, to look for any gum disease, and to have your teeth cleaned professionally. This is important in keeping your dentures in good shape.
If taken care of properly, your dentures should last around 6 to 10 years in good shape. The only reason for them to be replaced is because they won’t fit anymore or your mouth, jawbone, and gums have undergone changes related to aging.
Come visit us here at Emerald Coast Dentistry for the best dentures consultation.
Repairing your Dentures
As stated before, due to wear an tear, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or replaced. Dentures can also become loose. When these devices do not fit well in your mouth, they can cause irritation, sores, and infection.
If for some reason, your dentures have been damaged, do not attempt to repair or adjust it yourself. Bending the clasp or metal parts can cause permanent damage, making matters worse. We do not recommend buying repair kits either. Do not get any glue either as they can be harmful.
If you need your dentures to be seen before your scheduled appointment due to cracks, chips, breaks, or a tooth becomes loose, call your dentist. They will be more than happy to take a look at your dentures and decide which is the best way to go.
Other Tips
Your dentures should be kept in good shape for at least 5 to 7 years. If you give them proper care, you should not face any major issue.
If you are using a partial denture, make sure to properly clean the natural teeth that fit under the dentures’ metal clasp. When brushing your teeth, remove the partial denture and clean it as explained above.
Massage your gums regularly. Clean your gums, especially if you are using special glue to keep the dentures attached. Rinsing your mouth with warm water regularly will also help keep your gums clean.
Very importantly, eat a balanced diet to keep your body healthy, which will keep your mouth healthy. Avoid foods that will stain your teeth or that can harm them.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.