Caring for dentures is crucial to ensure they remain clean, free from stains, and last as long as possible. Proper care can also help prevent oral problems, including bad breath, gum disease, and other infections. Here’s a guide on how to properly care for dentures:
- Daily Cleaning:
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- Rinse After Eating: After meals, remove your dentures and rinse them under running water to remove food particles.
- Brushing: Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive and cause scratches that harbor bacteria.
- Clean the Mouth: After removing your dentures, gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush to stimulate circulation and remove any remaining denture adhesive.
- Soaking Overnight:
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- Most dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. However, certain dentures with metal attachments could tarnish if placed in soaking solution. In such cases, follow your dentist’s recommendations.
- Rinse your dentures thoroughly after soaking them, especially if you use a denture-soaking solution. Such solutions contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested.
- Handle Carefully:
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- Dentures may break if dropped. When you handle them, stand over a folded towel or a basin of water. This way, if they slip out of your hand, they’re less likely to break.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners:
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- Never use bleach to clean your dentures. Bleach can weaken dentures and change their color.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials such as stiff brushes, strong cleansers, or whitening toothpastes.
- Never boil or use hot water to sterilize your dentures, as it could warp them.
- Regular Dental Check-ups:
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- Call our office if your dentures crack, break, chip, or if a tooth becomes loose. Trying to fix it yourself can damage your dentures irreparably.
- Regular dental check-ups monitor your oral tissues for signs of disease or other problems and ensures the proper fit of your dentures to prevent slippage and discomfort.
- Protect From High Temperatures:
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- Keep your dentures away from hot water or hot surfaces as either can cause them to warp. Leaving dentures on an automobile dashboard, in a glovebox, or anywhere in a hot car, is always a bad idea.
- Limit Staining:
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- As with natural teeth, certain foods and beverages can stain dentures. Coffee, tea, red wine, and blueberries are some common culprits. When consuming such products, consider rinsing your dentures immediately afterward.
By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your dentures and maintain good oral health! Contact the Tahquitz Dental Group with any additional questions or concerns you have regarding caring for your dentures and maintaining your beautiful smile.
