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Tips on Caring for Your Dentures
Complete and partial dentures need to be cleaned every day just like natural teeth. Otherwise, plaque and tartar can build up on your dentures and cause stains, bad breath and gum problems. Plaque from your dentures can also spread to your natural teeth and gums, causing gum disease and cavities.
Daily Denture Care Tips
Just like natural teeth, full and partial dentures require daily maintenance in order to remain clean and white and retain their shape. Here are some quick and easy tips regarding day-to-day denture care:
Remove Your Dentures at Night and Give Them a Good Soaking
Dentures should be removed from your mouth at bedtime and placed in tepid water or a commercial denture soak product overnight. This will protect your denture from warping or drying out, allowing it to stay moist and retain its shape. Some commercial denture cleaners contain harmful or caustic chemicals, so be sure to rinse your denture thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth. Do not use hot water when soaking your denture.
Clean and Brush Your Dentures
To properly clean your dentures first remove them from your mouth and place them under running water to rinse away any food particles that might be present. Next, apply dental cleaner using a denture brush or a regular, soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use household cleaners or regular toothpaste to clean your dentures, as they can be too abrasive.
Being careful to not damage the acrylic or bend the attachments, gently brush clean all denture surfaces, paying particular attention to under the clasps where bacteria can collect. Rinse your denture thoroughly in clean water before placing them back in your mouth.
Brush Your Gums and Tongue
Every time you clean your dentures, go ahead and run a soft-bristled toothbrush over your gums and tongue, as well. This will remove any remaining food particles or other material that could become trapped beneath your denture. It is also a good idea to gently massage your gums with an index finger in order to increase blood circulation and promote healthy gums.
Protect Your Dentures from Breakage during Cleaning
Dentures can break if they are dropped onto a hard surface or squeezed too tightly, so they should always be handled with care. Stand over a folded towel or a sink full of water while cleaning dentures to lessen the chance of breaking them if they slip out of your hand.
Even dentures that are regularly and thoroughly cleaned can develop chips and cracks, fitting problems or plaque build-up, so you should still visit your dentist or denturist at least once a year to have a checkup performed. Dentures are designed to last between 5 – 7 years, but individual results may vary.
For more information about caring for your dentures, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Landry Denture Clinic.