How to Care for Dentures? Discover the Importance of Denture Care
Millions of Australians turn to dentures every year as a restorative dentistry option. Wearing dentures provides you with a full, straight smile and allows you to continue functioning normally after losing teeth due to dental trauma, periodontal disease, or other tooth damage. They are a cost-effective dental implants, and best of all, they are long-lasting when well cared for.
Knowing how to care for dentures is essential if you want to keep your artificial teeth stain-free and functional. Taking care of your dentures is easy if you keep these basic oral health principles in mind and implement special precautions to clean dentures properly with a daily routine.
How to Care for Dentures on a Daily Basis?
Learning how to care for dentures daily is the best thing you can do to keep your dentures from Dentistry on Solent looking clean and new. Your daily denture care routine should include:
- Cleaning your dentures twice per day using appropriate techniques
- Rinsing and cleaning your dentures after eating
- Handling your dentures with care when taking them out
- Storing your dentures safely when not in use
- Using a soft-bristled dental brush when necessary
How to Clean Dentures Properly?
To clean dentures properly, there is an easy step-by-step process to follow. Implement the following steps twice per day, typically in the morning and at night, and any time you want clean dentures after eating food.
- Remove your dentures and set them on a clean towel near the sink.
- Brush any remaining teeth, as well as your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, with normal toothpaste as you would for a standard oral health care routine.
- Rinse your dentures in tepid water to remove food particles.
- Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled denture brush and mild soap using a gentle, circular motion.
- Rinse your dentures off and wear them as normal or place them in water to soak overnight.
In addition to daily brushing and rinsing, you can use special dissolvable tablets to create a cleaning solution for your dentures or create your natural solution from 1 part distilled white vinegar and 4 parts water. Soak your dentures twice per week for about five to seven minutes to remove bacteria and stains. Once they’ve soaked, remove the clean dentures, rinse them with clean water.
How to Care for Dentures: Denture Care Tips
To ensure your dentures remain in good condition, use the following denture care tips
- Always rinse your dentures with lukewarm water after eating or drinking.
- Never use hot water to rinse your dentures as it may warp the frame.
- Handle your dentures carefully – don’t apply too much pressure when grasping or brushing.
- To protect your dentures, fill the sink with water before cleaning. The water will act as a buffer and help prevent them from shattering if dropped.
- Never use regular toothpaste to clean dentures.
- Never use harsh chemicals to clean your dentures.
- Avoid sleeping in your dentures.
- Always soak your dentures overnight in cool water or a designated denture-soaking solution.
- Visit your dentist at least every 12 months to ensure your dentures fit correctly.
Along with following these denture care tips, it is important to maintain good general oral health. If you have remaining teeth, make sure to brush them twice per day and floss between them.
Even if you have no natural teeth, keep up your oral health routine by brushing your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth with toothpaste. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove bacteria from your gums and rinse well with warm water. Maintaining good oral health keeps your mouth clean and creates a healthy environment for your dentures.
Why Caring for Your Dentures is Important?
Knowing how to care for dentures the right way prevents plaque and bacteria from building up and stops your dentures from becoming warped or damaged. This is important because these issues can cause undesirable dental problems to develop, affecting your oral health.
Unclean dentures can cause fungal infections in your mouth, such as thrush, making chewing and swallowing uncomfortable. Failure to rinse off food particles can cause them to become trapped between the denture and your gums. This often leads to mouth sores and cuts, which can easily become infected. If untreated, gum infection and inflammation can negatively impact your circulatory health.
Not properly cleaning your dentures can also lead to staining and discolouration, which creates an undesirable appearance, and letting your dentures get too dry or using harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean them can cause them to weaken, become brittle, or warp, which cause them to fit improperly in your mouth which can injure your gums and mouth.
When Do I Need to Replace My Dentures?
Even with the best of care, your dentures won’t last forever. Dentures typically last between 7 to 10 years, but they may need to be replaced earlier. Some signs that indicate its time for new dentures include:
- Dentures that feel loose when eating or speaking.
- Dentures that fall out frequently.
- Trouble speaking clearly.
- Discomfort when chewing.
- Dentures that are chipped, severely discolored, and plates that have cracked.
Schedule an Oral Health Exam to Check Your Dentures
As part of your denture care routine, it is important to visit your dentist once every year to ensure they remain properly fitted and address any potential concerns.
To schedule your next oral health exam, contact Dentistry on Solent on (02) 9158 6137 or fill out our online form to request an appointment.
