How To Care For Your Dentures? - Austin Dental Health

For many, getting dentures can be life-changing since they assist you in eating, speaking and smiling confidently once again. But, also like natural teeth, they need to be cared for daily in order to remain healthy. Ignoring them can result in staining, bad breath and even an infection.

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Whether you’re new to dentures or have been wearing them for years, it’s important to know how to care for them properly. Let’s look in to some simple but effective ways to help keep your dentures clean, fresh and comfortable for years to.

A. Clean Your Dentures Every Day

Just as they do with real teeth, denture collect food particles and bacteria. A regularly made cleaning ensures that they are always prepared.

How to Clean Them:

Practice rinsing them after every meal to clear food particles off of them.
Use an ultra-soft denture brush to erase plaque buildup
Don’t use standard toothpaste, it’s too rough, too scratchy.
Instead, try using mild soap or denture cleaner.
Rinse well before re-inserting in your mouth.

B. Soak Them Overnight

Dentures require moisture to keep their shape. Without moisture, dentures can harden and rub uncomfortably against the mouth.

What to Do:

Soak them in a glass of water or a denture-soaking solution overnight.
But do not use hot water, that can warp the material or change its shape.
Wash them with water before wearing each morning.

C. Handle with Care

Dentures aren’t as strong as natural teeth. They can also break if knocked to the ground or mishandled.

To Prevent Damage:

Cleaning them always, over a soft towel or sink full of water.
Avoid sharp items to remove stuck food.
When not in use, repack them in a safe location.

See Also: Should You Choose Dentures Over Implants?

D. Keep Your Mouth Clean Too

Your gums and remaining teeth also still require care. A healthy mouth allows dentures to fit correctly and protects against gum infections.

Daily Routine:

Use a soft toothbrush to clean your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Use a mild mouthwash to keep bacteria under control.
If you wear partial dentures, brush your natural teeth as normal.
A clean mouth helps make for a fresher and more comfortable experience with this denture.

E. Watch for Fit Issues

Dentures need to fit tightly but not be uncomfortable. If they begin feeling loose or become irritating it’s time to adjust.

How to Know If Your Dentures Need Some Help:

While, talking or eating it is slipping, clicking away.
There are places inside the mouth where your gums are sore, or irritating.
Difficulty chewing properly.
If so, see your dentist so that it can be treated in time.

F. Avoid Certain Foods

Although dentures allow you to eat most foods, some can still be a challenge.

Foods to Be Careful With:

Dentures can easily come loose with sticky foods (like caramel or gum).
Hard foods (such as nuts or popcorn) may crack or damage them.
Small foods with seeds (such as sesame or berries) get trapped underneath.
Do enjoy your meals, but keep in mind what can damage your dentures.

G. Why See Your Dentist?

They’re able to adjust or reline your dentures so they feel more comfortable.
They’ll examine your gums for inflamed tissue or other signs of infection.
You’ll receive professional cleanings at each visit for denture wearers, to remove stubborn and excessive buildup.
Stick to at least an annual visit, or earlier if you start to experience discomfort.

See Also: What Causes Bad Breath?

Stay on track with your regular dental cleanings

Even if you wear full dentures, you still require a dental checkup.

H. Say No to DIY (Do it yourself) Repairs

When your dentures break, it is easy to fall a prey to attempt a DIY fix with glue or some other quick fix remedy.

What to Do Instead:

If a tooth breaks off, get to your dentist fast.
Stay away from over the counter glue; it is full of toxic chemicals.
Never bend or force dentures into position.

I. Be Mindful of Stains

Over time, the materials that comprise dentures can absorb stains and cause them to become dull and discoloured.

How to Keep Them White:

Try to avoid coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco.
Soak them weekly with a denture cleaning tablet.
Brush gently but thoroughly to avoid causing staining.
It takes a lot of extra effort to help keep your dentures looking fresh.

J. Never Go to Bed in Your Dentures

It’s a Bad Idea sleeping with your dentures on, both for you and your dentures:

It helps for bacteria multiply, which causes bad breath and infections.
It puts continual pressure on your gums, and that makes them sore.
Your gums need some downtime overnight to rest and heal.
Let your mouth rest and its best to remove them before bed.

To Conclude:

Caring for dentures doesn’t have to be hectic. But with a bit of daily care, you can have them clean, cozy and durable.

Quick Recap:

Brush your dentures daily with a soft brush.
Soaking them overnight to keep them moist.
Treat them gently so they don’t snap.
Be careful not to cause discomfort by keeping your mouth clean.
Do not eat sticky, hard and staining foods.
Have regular check-ups with your dentist.
Don’t try to repair dentures on your own.