Dentures have allowed many patients to restore their smiles and their confidence after extensive tooth loss. It’s no wonder that they’re so popular because they look incredibly lifelike and are so comfortable that patients regularly forget that they are wearing them. While dentures are made of high-quality materials, they still require regular maintenance to stay in proper working order. Here’s how to take excellent care of your dentures so they look great and last for as long as possible.
What Is Proper Denture Hygiene?
While dentures are immune to tooth decay, they can collect food debris and provide shelter for harmful bacteria. This can cause them to form unsightly stains and develop a foul odor while also causing nasty oral infections that are best avoided. To keep your dentures in great shape, you’ll have to clean them regularly.
Always use lukewarm water when treating your dentures, as hot or cold water can cause them to break or become deformed. An excellent denture hygiene regimen includes:
- Protect your dentures when you clean them. Dentures are not inexpensive. When you remove them for cleaning, place a folded towel over the bathroom counter and fill the sink with lukewarm water. This will provide a cushion in case you drop your appliance.
- Brush your dentures daily. At least once a day, clean your dentures with a soft brush and an approved denture cleanser. This will eliminate plaque, food residue, and denture adhesive.
- Rinse your dentures after meals and snacks. Dentures can collect food debris during the chewing process. After you eat, remove your dentures and rinse them in running water to eliminate some lingering food residue.
- Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, palate, and gums. This will keep food debris from accruing underneath your dentures.
How Should I Soak My Dentures?
Your mouth needs eight hours away from your dentures every day in order to rest and clean itself. For this reason, most patients remove their appliances at night before they go to bed. Dentures must be kept moist at all times, so it is crucial to soak them in lukewarm water or an approved cleanser when leaving them outside of the mouth. Before you put your dentures back in your mouth the next morning, thoroughly rinse them to flush away any cleanser. These chemicals can cause vomiting, pain, or burns if swallowed.
Dentures should be a long-term investment. With proper care, you can expect yours to last for up to ten years.
About the Author
Dr. Kristin B. Petulla earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed a residency in General Dentistry at Abington Memorial Hospital. She is proud to be a member of organizations like the Crown Council of Dentists, the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Southern Dental Society. Her office in Marlton, NJ offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture services. For more information on caring for your dentures, contact the office online or dial (856) 983-4846.