You’ve spent time and money on restoring your smile to its original beauty. But that doesn’t mean you can relax on your dental hygiene. Dentures, similar to your natural teeth, need to be cleaned and cared for on a daily basis.
8 Pro Denture Care Tips
Dentures are typically made from acrylic and can easily become stained if they are not taken care of. They can also harbor harmful bacteria that can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay for any remaining teeth in your mouth.
As a leading dental office in Flagstaff, Country Club Dental would like to offer a few pro denture care tips that will keep your smile healthy and bright.
1. Always remove and rinse dentures after eating.
Your dentures can collect food debris and particles, that if not thoroughly rinsed off, can cause oral hygiene issues. We recommend cleaning your dentures with warm water over a filled sink, just in case you drop them.
2. Brush your dentures at least once daily—twice daily is preferred.
Rinsing or cleaning your dentures with denture cleaner is not a substitute for brushing. To effectively brush your dentures, use a soft-bristle denture brush and guide the brush in a circular motion over the surface of each tooth while they are still in your mouth. Most commercial toothpastes are actually harmful to your dentures, so we recommend using a toothpaste made specifically for dentures, or skipping the toothpaste altogether.
Once you’ve completed brushing, remove your dentures and brush the underside of the dentures where food particles and bacteria can reside as well. Before reinserting, brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
3. Remove and handle your dentures with care.
Your gum tissue is sensitive, so always remove your dentures carefully. During removal and cleaning, be sure you don’t bend or damage the plastic or clasps. Additionally, dentures are extremely fragile and should always be removed and cleaned over a folded towel or a full sink of water to prevent damage.
4. Soak your dentures overnight.
After you’ve brushed and rinsed your dentures at night, place them in a cup of water or a mild denture-soaking solution. Most dentures need to remain moist in order to retain their shape. The recommended soaking method depends on the type of dentures you have, so consult your dentist before you choose a solution. Removal overnight also gives your gums a chance to breathe and protects you from the danger of dentures that could dislodge while you sleep and cause choking. Before putting dentures back in your mouth, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any remaining solution.
5. Care for your whole mouth.
Cleaning your dentures is just part of maintaining good oral health. Your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth should be cared for properly as well. Brush and clean your whole mouth twice daily to remove plaque and stimulate circulation in the mouth.
6. Watch for changes in fit.
The bony ridge of your mouth where your dentures sit shrinks over time. This and other natural changes in your mouth mean it’s common for dentures to become loose-fitting, which can cause irritation, sores, and infection. If you notice an irregular fit of your dentures, bring them into our office and we’ll have the fixed in no time.
7. Bring them in for repair.
It’s normal for dentures to get chipped, or for clasps to get bent or broken. Do not attempt to repair dentures at home with over-the-counter repair kits. It’s always best to bring your dentures in for professional repair. Bring them into our office and we’ll take care of them right away!
8. Schedule regular dental checkups.
Regular checkups will allow your dentist to examine the fit of your dentures, and also give them a professional cleaning. We’ll also check the overall health of your mouth and gums during your dental visit.
Things to Avoid With Your Denture Care
- Products containing bleach. Bleaching products can weaken your teeth and cause discoloration of dentures.
- Cleaning materials that can damage your teeth. Avoid hard-bristle brushes, strong cleansers, and traditional toothpastes.
- Whitening products and toothpastes. These products generally do not whiten dentures and may end up damaging them. If your dentures are stained, bring them into the dentist for a professional cleaning and treatment.
- Hot water. Boiling or scalding water can warp dentures.
If you have remaining questions about denture care tips, or you need to schedule a biannual checkup, contact us today at Country Club Dental Flagstaff.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use. Image by Nicolás Borie Williams from Pixabay (5/29/2019)
