Dentures are designed for everyday wear. Because you will use them for chewing and biting, they must be of durable material to withstand heavy forces. This is especially true for partial dentures at the back of the mouth as they are subjected to more biting loads.
Good quality dentures should last for 5-10 years. They will naturally wear down as you use them. To enjoy many years of wear from your dentures, you must know how to take care of your denture with the best denture care tips.
Life with dentures
It takes some time to get used to a new denture. It will feel tight and bulky in your mouth in the first few days. You may also find it difficult to speak and eat. These are typical scenarios during the transition phase. Over time, your gums will conform to the shape of your dentures, and they will fit better and more comfortably. Your mouth muscles will also eventually adjust to improve your speech.
Denture care is no more challenging than taking care of your natural teeth. Read along to discover our proven and tested ways for good denture care.
How to take care of your denture – 5 Top Tips
Caring for your denture is pretty straightforward, but consistency is the key to ensuring it will last for several years. Here are five proven and tested ways of mastering denture care.
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Handle your denture properly
When handling your denture, don’t forget that it is fragile. When cleaning it, place a folded towel in the basin or fill it with water, as dropping your dentures could cause them to crack or chip despite the material’s durability. If your dentures have clasps, be careful when brushing them to avoid bending the wires.
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Clean and brush your denture
Like your natural teeth, you need to brush your denture every day. Take it out and rinse it after every meal to remove plaque and food debris. And before you sleep at night, brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush to ensure all areas are clean.
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Soak your denture in a cleaning solution overnight
It’s good to give your mouth a break to allow your gums to recover. While your dentures are out, keep them soaked in warm water or a denture cleaning solution. This will prevent your dentures from drying out, which will affect their fit. Also, this will help keep them away from bacteria. And before you put them back on, rinse your dentures well, as the cleaning solution may contain chemicals that can irritate your gums.
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Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional denture care
Ask your dentist about how often you should visit to have your dentures professionally cleaned and examined. They will also inspect them for fit to ensure your comfort and avoid slippage.
If you feel your dentures have become loose, let your dentist know so they can make adjustments.
Also, your natural teeth will need professional teeth cleaning because they need to be taken care of too.
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Maintain good oral health
Lastly, your oral health dramatically impacts the longevity of your dentures. Plaque and harmful bacteria in the mouth can damage your dentures, so you should always practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your natural teeth and clean your gums with gauze. Also, make frequent visits to your dentist for a thorough dental examination.
Know more about denture care
To find out more about how to take care of your denture, call us at My Local Dentists to schedule an appointment. We are always happy to talk to our patients and help them with their smiles.
References
NCBI – Longevity of complete dentures: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32359852/
Pub Med – A survey of complete denture patients experiencing difficulties with their prostheses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24172000/
Pub Med – Chemical Methods for Cleaning Conventional Dentures: What is the Best Antimicrobial Option? An In Vitro Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28232977/