How to Care for Dentures?

Dentures play a vital role in restoring a natural-looking smile and aiding in proper chewing and speaking for individuals with missing teeth. Proper care and maintenance of dentures are important to ensure their longevity, comfort, and optimal performance. Keep on reading to learn more about how to care for dentures.

Why Do You Need a Dental Crown?

It is very important to take care of Dentures to increase their longevity. Here are some essential tips:

1. Daily Cleaning Routine:

It’s essential to maintain a daily cleaning routine to keep your dentures free from plaque, stains, and bacteria. Here’s what you should do:

Remove and Rinse: After eating, remove your dentures and rinse them under the tap with lukewarm water to remove food particles and debris.
Brush Dentures: Use a soft-bristled denture brush or a regular toothbrush with non-abrasive denture cleaner or mild soap to gently brush all surfaces of your dentures.
Clean Mouth: Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.

2. Handle with Care:

Use your dentures with care to avoid damage and maintain their shape and fit:

Avoid Dropping: Always place dentures over a soft towel or basin of water to prevent their breakage if dropped.
Use Proper Cleaning Products: Only use denture cleaners recommended by your dentist to avoid damaging the denture material.

3. Soak Dentures Overnight:

Keeping your dentures moist is important to maintain their shape and prevent drying. Here’s what you should do:

Soaking Solution: Place your dentures in a denture cleaning solution or plain water overnight.
Rinse Thoroughly: Before wearing your dentures in the morning, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any residual cleaning solution.

4. Regular Dental Check-ups:

Schedule regular dental appointments with your dentist for professional cleaning and to ensure proper denture fit and function. Your dentist can look for signs of damage or wear and make any needed adjustments or repairs to your dentures.

5. Avoid Damaging Habits:

Certain habits can damage your dentures and should be avoided. Some of them are:

Avoid Hot Water: Don’t use hot water to clean or soak your dentures directly, as it can warp or damage the denture material.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, including whitening toothpaste, which can scratch and damage dentures.
Keep Away from Bleach: Avoid using bleach or products containing bleach, as they can weaken the denture material over time.

6. Storage Tips:

Proper storage of your dentures is essential for maintaining their shape and integrity:

Use a Denture Container: Store your dentures in a denture container filled with water or denture-soaking solution when not in use.
Keep Moist: Dentures should not be allowed to dry out, as this can lead to warping and changes in fit.

7. Handling Denture Adhesive:

If you use denture adhesive, follow these guidelines:

Clean Thoroughly: Ensure dentures are clean before applying adhesive.
Follow Instructions: Use the recommended amount of adhesive as per the product instructions.
Clean Adhesive Residue: Remove any adhesive residue from your gums and dentures daily to maintain hygiene.

8. Replacing Dentures:

As time passes, dentures can wear down or fit poorly due to changes in your jawbone or gums. Signs that it’s time to replace your dentures include:

Persistent Discomfort: If your dentures cause persistent soreness, irritation, or discomfort, it may be time for a replacement.
Visible Damage: Cracks, chips, or significant wear on your dentures warrant evaluation by your dentist for possible replacement.
Changes in Fit: If your dentures no longer fit snugly or slip frequently, they may need adjustment or replacement.

How often should you clean your dentures?

It’s recommended to clean your dentures at least once a day and ideally twice daily for the best results. A good routine includes cleaning them in the morning and before bed, along with soaking them in a mild soap or denture cleaning solution overnight.

While toothpaste isn’t suitable for denture brushing, it’s important to use it to brush your gums and tongue twice daily to maintain gum health and fresh breath. If you have partial dentures, then brush and floss your remaining natural teeth daily.

Using mouthwash is also beneficial for oral health. You can either remove your dentures before rinsing with mouthwash or choose a mouthwash designed for denture wearers. These habits help keep your mouth clean, gums healthy, and breath fresh all day long.

When to reach out to your dentist?

Regular dental checkups are crucial for keeping your mouth healthy. If you wear dentures, it’s crucial to stick to your regular appointments every six months.

You should also contact your dentist if you experience any of these issues with your dentures:

Discomfort while wearing them
Slipping or not fitting well
Strange noises when talking or eating
Visible signs of wear or damage

Additionally, get in touch with your dentist if you notice:

Mouth sores
Bleeding gums
Persistent bad breath

Mouth sores could mean your dentures need adjusting or replacing to ensure they fit correctly. Keeping in touch with your dentist helps catch and address problems early, ensuring your oral health and comfort.

Dental Bridge

Fixed, not removable

Costs an average of around $2,500+ depending on the type of material chosen and the number of teeth required- another factor is the type of bridge

Requires 2 or more appointments over the course of a few weeks

Usually requires replacement after about 10 to 15 years, may last about 10 with proper care and maintenance

Dental Implants

Fixed, not removable

Costs $5,000+ for a single implant and up to $60,000+ for full-mouth restoration. Hybrid options cost an average of $12,000 per arch

Requires multiple appointments over several months to a year or more

Implant screw should last a lifetime but the restoration may need to be replaced after about 20 years

Conclusion

Still wondering How to care for Dentures? Caring for your dentures isn’t just about maintaining a beautiful smile; it’s about ensuring comfort, functionality, and overall oral health. By incorporating regular cleaning routines, gentle handling, and prompt professional assistance when needed, you not only prolong the life of your dentures but also enhance your daily quality of life. Remember, a healthy smile begins with proper denture care.

Ready to take the next step in denture care? Contact Precision Dental in New Port Richey, FL, and schedule an appointment online today. New patients can call us at 727-219-1369 while existing patients can reach us at 727-494-7179 for any dental concerns or adjustments. Your smile deserves the best care!

FAQ

How often should I clean my dentures?

Dentists recommend cleaning dentures at least once a day, preferably twice daily.

Can I use regular toothpaste on dentures?

No, regular toothpaste must be avoided when cleaning dentures as it can be abrasive. Instead, use a cleaner or mild soap to clean dentures.