If you wear partial or full dentures, maintain them correctly to avoid unnecessary repairs and replacements. Proper denture care also keeps your mouth clean and prevents stains on your dentures that dull your smile.
Remove and Handle Dentures Correctly
Remove your dentures carefully when you take them out to prevent damage. Take upper dentures out by gently pressing your thumb against the front teeth and push the denture up toward the roof of your mouth and outward to slide it out. Remove lower dentures with gentle tugs while you rock them back and forth.
Always take your dentures out over a sink filled with water or a soft towel so they are less likely to break if you drop them while you take them out. Don't squeeze or pull too hard on your dentures and be careful with the plastic and the clasps when you handle or clean your dentures to avoid bending them.
Clean Dentures Frequently
Clean your dentures at least once a day to get rid of food and plaque buildup. Rinse our loose are large particles with warm water, then brush them carefully with a soft toothbrush and a nonabrasive denture cleaner. You can also use a mild hand or dish soap to clean your dentures.
Regular toothpaste meant for natural teeth isn't a good option for dentures because it is abrasive and can create tiny scratches on your dentures that will wear them down faster. Scratches also create pockets for bacteria, which can lead to oral health problems and denture odor.
Brush your gums and any natural teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Make sure to remove any denture adhesive that's left on your gums with your toothbrush or a clean piece of gauze.
Soak Your Dentures While You Sleep
While you can wear your dentures overnight, it's best to remove them if possible. If you need to sleep with your dentures in to keep your jaws in a good position, make sure to take them out and clean them thoroughly before bed.
Most dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape, so if they won't be in your mouth for a long time, it's best to keep them wet. If you remove your dentures at night, soak them in cool or lukewarm water or a denture-soaking solution overnight. Never soak your dentures in hot water, as this could cause the plastic to bend out of shape.
Whiten Dentures Properly
Whitening products made for natural teeth won't work on dentures since the teeth are made of plastic. The best way to keep your dentures as white as possible is to clean them thoroughly at least once a day. If your dentures do develop stains, some over-the-counter denture cleanser products can help remove them if you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Don't use bleach on your dentures unless your dentist directs you to use a diluted bleach solution to disinfect them. Bleach can turn the pink parts of your dentures white. Your dentist may also be able to offer an in-office cleaning solution that you can't get at home to remove denture stains.
Adjust and Repair Dentures When Needed
Don't attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Dentures are very delicate and over-the-counter repair kits can cause permanent damage to your dentures. Contact your dentist or prosthodontist if your dentures irritate your mouth or gums or if you have any cracks, chips, or loose teeth in your dentures.
Most dentists can make minor fit adjustments and repairs themselves, and they'll arrange to send your dentures to a lab for more involved repairs.
See your dentist every six months to check your dentures and look for signs of gum disease or irritation. Your dentist will also check the level of wear on your dentures and help you decide when to get new ones, which is typically every
five to seven years.
Advanced Dental Care
serves patients throughout the Port Orange, Florida area. If you're due for an examination or you're having trouble with your dentures, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
