Denture Care Tips – Ensuring the Proper Care & Keeping It In Great Shape
Good dental hygiene is vital for everyone, even more so for those who wear dentures. Proper care of dentures keeps them strong and protects against unwanted side effects brought on by a contaminated or misshapen set of artificial teeth.
If you are one of the 47% of 65 and overdenture wearers in Australia, you’ll want to make sure you are practising proper denture care every single day. Read on to learn five denture care tips that you can practice daily to ensure your dentures remain in good condition.
Health Problems Due to Poor Denture Care
Caring for and maintaining your dentures is not only crucial for your comfort and the functionality of the denture plate; poor denture care can also contribute to a host of oral health problems from mouth ulcers to yeast infections to trauma injuries from damaged plates.
Top Five Denture Care Tips
Rinse and repeat
Simply rinsing your dentures is the most important aspect of the proper care of dentures. You need to rinse your dentures several times a day, including after every meal. Remember to use cool or lukewarm water to rinse your dentures, as hot water may warp the shape of the dentures.
Rinse your dentures after soaking them overnight. Make sure to thoroughly rinse your dentures every morning before putting them in to get rid of denture care solution residue.
Use the right brush
When it comes to denture care tips, using the right brush is an essential part of daily denture care. Clean your dentures daily with a denture cleaning solution or mild soap. To do this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, such as a baby toothbrush. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes, and never use abrasive whitening toothpaste on your dentures.
Keep it cool
Water temperature matters when it comes to the proper care of dentures. Water that is too hot can warp your dentures and ruin their appearance. Warping can also cause your dentures to fit improperly, meaning a visit to the dentist for a replacement.
Turn on cold water when cleaning or rinsing your dentures. You can use room temperature or lukewarm water, but never let it get too hot, and never use boiling water from the kettle.
Handle with care
One of the most critical denture care tips is to handle your dentures with care. Dentures can be expensive, and they are not built to withstand harsh handling. Proper denture care includes handling your dentures carefully when brushing, rinsing, and holding your dentures.
Keep a soft, clean towel on the counter near the sink when cleaning your dentures. This prevents the dentures from banging into the hard countertop surface. A towel also provides a soft spot for your dentures to sit on, which is less likely to result in them sliding onto the floor.
Don’t rinse your dentures in the kitchen or another room in the house. Always perform your cleaning procedures in the bathroom so that your dentures don’t get lost. This also maintains consistency in your denture care routine.
Also, don’t sleep with your dentures near your bed, as you may knock over the container with your arm or a pillow.
Do a daily check-in
The last of the denture care tips to practice every day is to check in on your dentures. Assess how they feel inside your mouth. Check out their appearance. Notice how you talk while wearing your dentures. By consciously checking in with your dentures every day, you’ll be more apt to notice concerns before they become serious problems.
During your daily check-in, pay special attention to the following issues. If you notice any of these problems, you may need to visit the dentist to have your dentures fixed, replaced, or adjusted.
Damaged dentures
If your dentures become damaged, you’ll need to see the dentist. Continuing to use dentures that are cracked or have chips can result in infections and injuries to the soft tissues in your mouth.
Uneven pressure
After the initial adjustment period, your dentures should fit snugly and comfortably. If you notice the dentures are causing soreness by pressing down on one area of your gums more than another, see your dentist.
Loose dentures
If your dentures feel too loose, you’ll need to have them fitted again. Loose dentures can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, such as Candida.
Unpleasant odour
If your dentures begin to smell funny, it may be time to get them replaced. An unpleasant odour is almost always a sign of bacteria, and if you are using proper denture care and still dealing with an odour, there may be something else going on.
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
In addition to using these five daily denture care tips, it is always a good idea to schedule a visit with a dentist to get the most up-to-date information on denture care.
The professionals at Dentistry on Solent can address any specific concerns you have about the fit or appearance of your dentures. The team at Dentistry on Solent is happy to help you create a denture care plan that works for you. Visit them online or call (02) 9158 6137 to make an appointment.
