Effective denture care is important if you want to have a great-looking smile as well as maintain your oral health and full biting and chewing functions. We recognise this and are happy to offer help and advice on caring for dentures to maximise their longevity and effectiveness.
By caring for your dentures, you will not only protect your dental health but will also help to make them last. If you neglect to clean dentures, plaque can form, which can attack nearby teeth and gums. Additionally, dentures can become damaged and may require repair or replacement.
Does it matter what material my dentures are made from?
Modern dentures are not the heavy, bulky solution to missing teeth that your grandparents wore. These days they are much lighter and can be made from resin or acrylic, as well as ceramic, such as porcelain. Denture care advice may vary because the materials are not the same.
However, while there may be some slight differences in how they should be cared for, the advice about maintaining clean dentures applies to all dentures, no matter what material they are made from. Let’s take a closer look.
Top Tips When Caring for Dentures
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Remove and Rinse Dentures After Eating
When eating, small particles of food can become trapped in your dentures. This may make them feel uncomfortable, but also any debris in your mouth can attract acid-producing bacteria that damage teeth and gums. A fundamental of good denture care is to remove the dentures and rinse them after eating to get rid of any food particles. This will help to reduce plaque until you can clean your dentures more thoroughly at a more convenient time.
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Clean Dentures Daily
You should have a denture care routine that includes daily cleaning of your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the natural teeth and remove any denture adhesive from your gums.
You can also use a soft-bristled brush to clean dentures but do not use regular toothpaste as it is abrasive and can scratch your dentures. Be sure to clean all parts of the dentures as part of your denture care routine but handle with care so as not to bend any of the plastic or clasps that hold the dentures in place. When you are cleaning your dentures, hold them over a towel in the sink so that if you drop them, they will have a soft landing and are unlikely to get damaged. This is particularly so if you have all-ceramic dentures that can easily be chipped.
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Keep Dentures in a Cleaning Solution Overnight
It’s important to take your dentures out at night when you sleep to give your gums a rest. But do not allow dentures to dry out, as this can cause them to warp.
Instead, consider wrapping them in a clean damp cloth and sealing them in a plastic bag or soaking them in water or a hygienic solution designed to clean dentures.
Ask your dentist about caring for dentures and always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you use a denture-soaking solution.
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See your dentist for regular check-ups
Your denture care routine should include check-ups with the dentist so they can assess your oral health and examine your dentures to ensure they are not damaged and still fit comfortably. You should also arrange to see the dentist properly if your dentures become ill-fitting to prevent irritation or sores that may become infected.\
We know all about denture care
Find out more about caring for dentures at My Local Dentists. We’re always happy to help our patients so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you’d like to know more.
References
Denture Base Material
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/denture-base-material
The Importance of Measuring Toothpaste Abrasivity in Both a Quantitative and Qualitative way
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665314/