Dentures, whether total or partial, need to be cleaned and kept free of stains and bacteria regularly and correctly. With the proper care, your dentures and your mouth can stay in good shape. A few tips will help you clean, handle, and store dentures.
What are dentures?
Dentures are false teeth and gums that your dentist makes to fit your mouth and replace natural teeth that have been lost or taken out. Dentures can be either full or partial, which means they can return all or just a few missing teeth on the top or bottom gum line. No matter what kind of dentures you need, they will be made to fit in your mouth and look like your natural teeth.
General tips on how to care for your dentures
Dentures are the most popular option if you have missing teeth and wear removable dentures to replace them. Like your natural teeth, you should clean your dentures and take good care of them, so they don’t get broken or infected with fungus. But you should also follow some denture maintenance tips to keep the prosthetic device in good shape so that it stays in your mouth and doesn’t become loose or doesn’t fit right over time.
1. Remove and rinse dentures after eating.
After you have finished eating and drinking, you should remove your dentures and give them a thorough rinsing in warm water. Rinsing will help avoid a buildup of food debris and particles.
2. Clean your mouth after removing your dentures
You should wash your natural teeth with a toothbrush with soft bristles and use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth (palate). If you did use denture adhesive, make sure you clean any residue off of your gums.
3. Avoid hot water
You should always use warm water when soaking or rinsing your dentures. Soaking them in hot water can loosen dentures, altering their shape and how they fit in the mouth of the wearer.
4. Brush your dentures daily
Maintaining a clean denture is a must. Dentures like natural teeth need to be cleaned twice daily at a minimum, ideally after each meal. There is a variety of ways to clean dentures, including:
- Rinsing your dentures with clean water might help eliminate leftover food and loose particles.
- Use a gentle-bristled toothbrush to clean the dentures.
- Use a denture cleaning solution recommended by your dentist or prosthodontist to clean your false teeth.
- Wash false teeth with a gentle cleanser like dish soap.
- Denture wearers must take special care to maintain healthy gums and any remaining teeth that serve as anchors for their false teeth.
5. Soak dentures overnight
Many options for dentures are available on the market. Keeping these dentures moist is essential for keeping them moist. For soaking overnight, take out your dentures and put them in a container of soaking solution before you turn them in for the night.
6. Schedule regular dental checkups
Your dentist will tell you how often you should get your dentures checked out and cleaned. They will ensure your dentures fit right so they won’t slip or hurt you. Loose dentures can irritate the gums, cause sores, and lead to infections.
Conclusion
If you wear dentures, you know how important they are to your daily life. If you take care of your dentures and keep your mouth clean, they can help you chew and talk for many years. Remember these essential tips to take care of your dentures and oral health.
Even if you take good care of your teeth, you may need to have your dentures relined or replaced. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment with your dentist if your dentures hurt, are worn, or cause other problems.