Dentures can restore confidence and function after tooth loss, but proper care is essential to keep them in great condition. If you’re new to dentures or looking to improve your routine, it’s important to know the best practices for cleaning, storing, and maintaining them. Neglecting care can lead to discomfort, damage, or oral health issues. Below, we’ll walk you through four key aspects of caring for your dentures, using insights from various dental experts.

Clean Your Dentures Daily

Cleaning your dentures every day is the foundation of good oral hygiene. Just as you would brush your natural teeth, dentures need regular cleaning to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. But, unlike regular teeth, dentures require special care. Here’s how you can do it effectively.

Start by using a soft-bristled denture brush. Regular toothbrushes can be too harsh on dentures, especially if they have stiff bristles. A denture brush is designed to clean dentures gently without causing damage. When cleaning your dentures, it’s important to use a non-abrasive denture cleanser instead of regular toothpaste. Many kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients that are too harsh for denture materials and could scratch or wear down the surface.

For your cleaning routine, remove your dentures and brush all the surfaces, including the grooves that sit against your gums. Pay special attention to these areas, as food particles and bacteria can build up in the small crevices. Cleaning your dentures daily not only helps maintain their appearance but also prevents bad breath and gum irritation.

Don’t forget to rinse your dentures after meals. It’s a good idea to rinse your dentures under lukewarm water to remove food debris, especially after eating. This helps reduce staining and bacterial buildup that can happen when food particles are left behind. With regular cleaning and rinsing, you can keep your dentures in top shape for years.

Store Your Dentures Correctly

When you’re not wearing your dentures, proper storage is key to keeping them in good condition. Dentures are not like natural teeth, they can warp or dry out if not handled correctly. So, let’s talk about what to do when your dentures aren’t in your mouth.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep your dentures moist. Dentures should never dry out, as this can cause them to lose their shape. To prevent this, store your dentures in a container filled with lukewarm water or a denture cleaning solution. Keeping your dentures moist helps them maintain their fit and prevents cracking or warping. If you’re using a denture cleaning solution, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re using it properly and not damaging the dentures.

However, avoid using hot or boiling water. While it might seem like hot water would be better for cleaning, it can actually damage dentures. High temperatures can cause the materials to warp or change shape, which could affect how well they fit in your mouth. Always stick to lukewarm water for both rinsing and soaking. Proper storage not only preserves the shape and structure of your dentures but also keeps them clean. A denture container is also a safe place to keep them when they’re not in use, ensuring they don’t get lost or accidentally damaged. Developing good storage habits will extend the life of your dentures.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Taking care of your dentures is important, but don’t forget about your mouth! Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical, even if you wear full dentures. Your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth still need care.

Each day, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. This helps remove food particles and bacteria, and it also stimulates blood circulation in your gum tissues. Healthy gums are essential for comfortable denture wear, as irritated or infected gums can lead to discomfort and poor denture fit. Brushing your gums regularly also reduces the risk of gum disease, which can affect your overall oral health.

Rinsing your mouth after meals is another good habit to develop. This not only helps remove leftover food particles, but it also helps keep your breath fresh. Even if you’re not wearing dentures at the time, rinsing your mouth can help you maintain a clean and healthy oral environment. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help kill harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Remember, dentures don’t protect your gums from infection, so taking care of the soft tissues in your mouth is vital to your overall dental health.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups

Even if you’ve mastered daily cleaning and storage, regular visits to the dentist are still necessary. Dentures are not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Over time, the shape of your gums and bones may change, and regular check-ups will ensure your dentures continue to fit comfortably.

During these check-ups, your dentist can assess the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments. As your mouth changes, dentures that once fit perfectly may begin to feel loose or uncomfortable. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation, sores, or even infections. By staying on top of your dental appointments, you can avoid these issues and keep your dentures fitting snugly and comfortably.

In addition to checking the fit, your dentist can also perform professional cleanings. Dentures can accumulate tartar, stains, or hard-to-remove buildup that regular cleaning may not catch. A professional cleaning can help keep your dentures looking like new, and your dentist can also inspect them for any signs of damage that might require repair.

Regular check-ups are not just about the dentures themselves. Your dentist will also check the health of your gums and any remaining teeth. They can spot early signs of gum disease, oral infections, or other issues that might affect your oral health. By maintaining regular dental visits, you can catch potential problems early and ensure your dentures remain a good long-term solution.

Final Thoughts

Caring for dentures might seem like a lot of work at first, but with the right habits, it becomes a simple routine. Remember to clean your dentures daily, store them properly when not in use, maintain good oral hygiene, and schedule regular dental visits. By doing this, you can keep your dentures in excellent condition and enjoy a comfortable, healthy smile for years to come.

Taking care of dentures is all about consistency and attention to detail. Whether you’ve been wearing dentures for years or are just getting started, these tips will help you preserve their function and appearance while maintaining great oral health overall.

Washington Family Dental is your spot for all things dental. We make sure all your dental needs are met. Schedule an appointment with us today!