Dentures can be an amazingly lifelike solution to extensive tooth loss. They can vastly improve a patient’s quality of life by restoring their smile and chewing ability, but they require proper care and maintenance to keep working well and looking their best in the long run. Here’s what you should know about taking care of dentures so they can serve you beautifully for up to ten years.
Why Do I Need to Clean My Dentures?
Some people might think that not having any real teeth absolves them from oral hygiene, but nothing could be further from the truth. Without proper denture care, the patient will suffer infections, bad breath, sores, receding gums, and bone loss that can cause their dentures to lose their fit far sooner than they have to.
Dentures can accumulate plaque and food debris in the same way as real teeth, and the space between them and the gums can provide a perfectly dark, warm, and damp habitat for growing bacteria. Even though dentures are immune to tooth decay, the bacteria growing on them can still spread out and infect the gums or remaining real teeth. On the other hand, keeping your dentures in good condition can help keep your mouth healthy for years.
What’s the Best Way to Keep My Dentures Clean?
Just like real teeth, dentures need daily hygiene. You should clean your dentures at least once a day, but doing it both in the morning and at night is even better. An excellent denture cleaning routine includes:
- Fill your sink with water and cover the surrounding countertop with towels to protect your dentures if you drop them during cleaning.
- Remove your dentures and rinse them with warm water to remove any loose debris. Avoid hot or cold water as they can cause warping over time.
- Thoroughly brush every surface of your dentures with an approved denture cleaning solution and water using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse your dentures again with warm water.
Why Do I Need to Soak My Dentures Every Day?
Your gums and dentures need eight hours apart every day to stay healthy, so most people take them out at night before they go to bed. This gives your gums some time to relax and clean themselves, preventing infection and bone loss due to the constant stress of wearing them. Letting your dentures dry out can cause them to warp and become brittle, so soak them overnight in warm water or an approved denture-soaking solution. Remember to rinse them off before you put them back in your mouth in the morning.
In addition to cleaning your dentures, you should brush your gums and tongue twice a day with toothpaste to prevent infections and bad breath. You should also rinse with antibacterial mouthwash after you remove them, or use mouthwash designed to be used with dentures while you still have them in.
Your dentures can provide a beautiful smile that can chew a wide variety of nutritious foods. Taking good care of them and seeing a dentist regularly will keep them working well for years to come.
About the Practice
Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provides modern and compassionate dental care to the community of Harrisonburg, VA. Led by Drs. Mario DeNicola and Monisha Khanna, the staff delivers comprehensive oral health services in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include preventive, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as denture treatments. For more information on taking care of your dentures, contact the office online or dial (540) 432-6616.