Categories: Dentures

How to Maintain Your Dentures

When you have removable dentures, either full or partial, they require proper dental care to keep them free from stains and to keep them clean. Ensuring that you follow a simple but regular maintenance routine will ensure that your dentures stay looking their best for a long time. With the proper care, they can last a lifetime and so it is imperative that they stay clean and bacteria free as much as possible. To properly care for and clean your dentures, follow some of these simple steps.

After eating a meal, or a snack, remove the dentures from your mouth and rinse them under water. This will wash away loose food particles that may otherwise stick to the dentures. It is always advisable to rinse your dentures over a soft surface, by placing a towel under the wash area in the event that you drop them. This will prevent breakage.

Your dentures should be washed properly, scrubbed with a denture cleaner or a soft toothbrush at least once per day. Dentists advise against using a stiff bristled brush as this could damage the dentures. Also avoid using a toothpaste that has a whitening agent as this is extremely abrasive and will wear down the dentures. You can use a mild soap or dish washing liquid to wash your dentures if need be. The regular washing prevents plaque and food buildup that can occur on dentures, which is unsightly and not good for your mouth.

Most dentures need to stay moist in order to retain their shape. For this reason, you should always soak your dentures overnight. To do this place them in water or a special denture-soaking solution. If the dentures have metal, specifically avoid solutions which contain chlorine as this will lead to corrosion and tarnishing of the metal. When in doubt, ask a dentist. It is always a good idea to check with your dentist when you have any questions about your dentures, specifically on care and maintenance including how to properly store them at night.

Take the time to rinse your dentures thoroughly in the morning, before placing them in your mouth. The solutions in which dentures soak are not good for consumption and can lead to unnecessary complications. These solutions are good for keeping your dentures clean, but if these chemicals are swallowed they can lead to vomiting, stomach pain, and burns. A few extra minutes each morning, rinsing the dentures under the faucet can prevent you from ingesting any of these chemicals. Again, remember to place a towel or some other soft material under the dentures to protect them in the event of being dropped.

Dentures are a way for many people to get back the full function of their mouth with regards to chewing, enunciating language, and maintaining their image. Taking care of the dentures and remembering that they are relatively fragile is important. Also remember to schedule regular checkup visits with your dentist who can make sure that the dentures fit well, advise you on maintenance, and generally ensure that the dentures serve you for as long as possible.