Whether you have partial or complete dentures, both are essential in replacing lost teeth and enhancing the appearance of your smile. The denture is designed to look natural and made of different materials such as acrylic or metal. Dentures are one of the most common and highly recommended treatments of general dentistry. However, more and more people are taking advantage of artificial teeth to restore the function and look of their mouth.
Even though your denture has false teeth, it is vital to take care of them and clean them regularly. Properly cleaning dentures requires more than brushing. Plus, the other steps are needed to retain them in good condition and have optimal oral health.
Want to know how to take care of dentures?
Keep reading this blog to learn the best ways to clean your dentures and maintain oral hygiene.
Table of Contents
The best way to clean your dentures
Typically, plaque or food debris stick to dentures in the same way as they accumulate on natural teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that appears on dentures and natural teeth after eating or drinking.
So, if you do not clean your dentures, plaque will build up quickly. Hence, putting you at risk of gum disease, bad breath, or any other oral health issue. You have probably spent more money getting the dentures and improving a smile, so why would you waste it by not cleaning it properly?
Cleaning dentures and maintaining an oral hygiene routine are crucial for your oral health. To keep dentures clean, you will need a few items such as:
- water
- a soft-bristled toothbrush
- denture cleaning solution
- a soft towel
- container to put your denture
It would be best if you brush your dentures at least once every day. If you choose to brush it twice a day, it is even better. But, there is no point in using toothpaste while brushing your dentures. Many toothpaste brands available in the market contain abrasive ingredients for removable teeth, which can damage your false teeth, leaving scratches or small cracks on them.
Preferably, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the dentures. These toothbrushes are specifically designed to prevent scratches on the surface of your false teeth.
But, brushing alone will not clean dentures thoroughly to maintain dentures long-term.
Appropriately cared for dentures can last up to 10 years. Here are a few tips to extend the life of your dentures.
Do’s of Denture Care
- Handle your dentures carefully and not bend them or damage the clasp while cleaning the dentures.
- Remove and wash your denture after eating. Ideally, after each meal, you need to run water over your dentures to eliminate food debris from the surface.
- Remove your denture while going to bed and soak it in the solution or warm water overnight. This also allows the tissues in the mouth to relax.
- Brush your denture regularly as you would clean your teeth. But, be sure to use the right substances to clean it.
- Take proper care of the entire mouth and prevent the growth of bacteria while having a denture. This will help in maintaining oral health in good shape.
- Do regularly scheduled checkups with your dentist.
Don’ts of Denture Care
- Avoid using anything abrasive or sharp while having dentures. It would help if you did not use toothpicks, or dental scrapers are not advised to use on dentures which can easily damage your mouth tissue.
- Do not brush your dentures with stiff bristles, hard toothpaste, or strong cleansers, as they could damage your dentures.
- Do not use bleach-contained products or teeth whitening substances as they do not change the color of the denture. Also, using such products can damage false teeth or gum tissues.
- Do not use hot water to clean your denture. Instead, use warm water while cleaning or washing your denture.
- When you have dentures, be sure to avoid taking large bites of food. Also, do not use tugging motions as you bite to prevent damage and chipping.
When to visit your dentist
Regular dental appointments are a crucial part of your oral health. Especially when you have dentures, you must visit your dentist for regular checkups. Ideally, it would help if you continued to schedule regular checkups every six months. Besides, immediately contact your dentist while having concerns about your dentures. Never delay in scheduling an appointment if your dentures:
- feel uncomfortable
- denture no longer fit properly
- make noise while talking or eating
- seem worn or broken
Apart from these, you should contact your dentist if you experience other oral health issues like mouth sores, bleeding gums, bad breath, etc. When you take proactive actions and visit your dentist early, it helps in preventing further complications. In addition, when you have general dentistry treatments like a denture, you should never delay in visiting the dentist while noticing unusual signs of symptoms with oral health.
Final Words
Dentures are a great help in improving your smile and building your self-confidence. Nevertheless, it is important to take care of the denture regularly and adequately. When you consistently clean your dentures, it increases the life of the denture and maintains your oral health. Therefore, be sure to clean and soak your dentures daily and use suitable materials to clean them thoroughly. Whenever you experience discomfort or unusual signs with it, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.
It is easier to restore a beautiful smile while having dentures, but you must take care of them properly to maintain your smile and oral health.
