If you use dentures, you know taking good care of them is important. Good denture care can keep your dentures looking as good as new and help them to last as long as possible. Regular denture maintenance looks a lot like a typical dental hygiene routine, but caring for your dentures requires a few additional steps to keep both your appliances and your oral health in good shape.
1. Keep Them Properly Cleaned
Just like your natural teeth, dentures can collect bacteria, plaque, and tartar if they are not properly cleaned. Unlike teeth, however, accumulated food particles and buildup contribute both to the deterioration of your dentures and can cause denture-related health conditions, including painful stomatitis and gum disease.
It isn’t enough to simply place your dentures in water or a cleaning solution to adequately clean them. Daily cleaning should involve regular rinses with warm, clean water and routine brushing to keep them clean and free from food debris, bacteria, and the buildup of biofilm.
2. Wash Before Wear
Before you place your dentures, make sure both your appliance and the surfaces of your gums, tongue, and soft palate are clean. Plaque and bacteria accumulate in your mouth whether you have natural teeth along your gum line or not, but cleaning your dentures before you wear them can protect your teeth and gums from bacteria.
If you use a chemical denture cleaner, it is especially important to rinse your dentures before placing them in your mouth, as these solutions often contain ingredients that can become harmful to your health if swallowed or if they come in contact with the soft tissues of your mouth.
3. Avoid Hot Water
While it’s important to rinse your dentures before wearing them, it’s crucial to avoid rinsing or cleaning them with hot water. Make sure any water used to keep dentures moist and clean is lukewarm to avoid damage to your appliance. Water helps your dentures to hold their shape and remain pliable, but high temperatures can cause warping and deformities.
4. Remove Them While Sleeping
Wearing dentures regularly can feel as natural as walking and breathing. Because of this, many denture users can forget to take them out when it’s time for bed. This can cause an increase in bacteria and oral irritation and may diminish the lifespan of your dentures if this becomes a habit.
Your dentures are not meant to be worn around the clock, and removal is important for proper use. Always take your dentures out and clean them properly before going to bed to give both your dentures and your mouth a break.
5. Use the Right Supplies and Usage Methods
The wrong tools and solutions can do more harm than good when it comes to your dentures. To care for your dentures, use the correct materials and processes:
- Soft-bristled brushes.
- Dentist-approved denture cleaners.
- Denture-friendly brushing gels or creams.
- Bleach-free cleansing solutions.
- Adequate but mindful amounts of adhesive.
Steer clear from using typical toothpaste, excess adherents, and sharp objects such as dental scrapers when caring for your dentures. When in doubt, talk to your dentist to determine the right care routine for your dental device.
6. Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Though you can help your dentures last for years and years, they’re not designed to last forever. Dentures require regular checkups to make sure they fit well and stay in good shape. Your dentist also needs to regularly inspect your mouth to look for typical oral health issues and common denture-related issues.
Routine dental visits are also a good time to ask any questions you may have about denture care and maintenance. You can also ask about denture repairs and have your dentist remedy any issues before they become a bigger problem down the road.
Smart Dental Care Dentures
If you have any questions about denture usage, care, and maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. The dental team at Smart Dental Care can help with regular checkups, denture fittings and repair, and device placement to help ensure your smile stays beautiful and healthy. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.