Denture Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide for Prolonging Your Denture's Life

Why Clean Dentures Regularly?

Without daily cleaning, your dentures and oral health will suffer. It is necessary to brush them each day to remove food and dental bacterial plaque build-up. In addition, it can help prevent them from becoming stained, as well as help lower your risk of developing gum disease and bad breath, for instance. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water, a denture cleaning solution or mild soap, and a soft towel. Avoid using toothpaste when brushing your dentures, as it can be too abrasive for the denture material.

Daily Denture Care Routine

Soaking dentures overnight

Be sure you are removing your dentures before going to bed to allow your gums to stay healthy. To prevent your dentures from drying out and becoming brittle, it is recommended to soak your dentures in lukewarm water or a denture solution overnight. Avoid soaking them in hot water, which can change the shape of the denture.

Rinsing dentures after meals

Rinsing your dentures quickly with water after eating is necessary to remove food debris and keep your mouth healthy. It is also recommended to clean your mouth after taking your dentures out to help eliminate any bacteria that can cause harm to your oral cavity.

Regular dental checkups

Visiting your dentist regularly is essential to maintaining good oral health. Your dental professionals will check for dental issues and can help you with the upkeep of your dentures.

Storing and Handling Dentures Safely

When cleaning your dentures, it can be helpful to stand over a towel or sink full of water just in case they slip out of your hands to avoid breakage. When storing your dentures, place them in a denture cleanser solution or plain water after taking them off.

Understanding Dentures

What are dentures?

Looking to replace missing teeth? You may be a good candidate for custom-made removable dentures. Dentures are prosthetic devices made to resemble and replace natural teeth, and they’re more comfortable than ever!

Types of dentures

Full Denture

A full denture is designed to help improve your smile, speech, and chewing efficiency when all teeth are missing or removed from the dental arch. Full dentures can be taken on and off, and are held in place by oral suction or a dental adhesive. They are typically made out of porcelain or acrylic and may have a metal base.

Partial Denture:

A partial denture can help you replace multiple missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw. Partials rest on your existing natural teeth and are removed when needed.

Temporary (Immediate) Denture:

Temporary dentures are used immediately after having teeth removed. This allows patients to heal, continue to eat well, and maintain a beautiful smile during the healing period while waiting for the new permanent dentures to be fitted.

Implant-Supported Fixed Denture:

Implant-supported dentures are made to remain fixed within the jaw by being secured to surgically inserted implants.

When to See a Dentist or Dental Prosthetist

Keeping up with your regular dental appointments is extremely important for your oral health. Continue to visit your dentist at least every 6 months, or at an earlier interval if recommended by your dentist. This allows your dentist to check for any oral issues and help stop and treat their progression.

In-between your regular dental exam and cleaning appointments, contact your dentist if you have any concerns about your dentures. For instance, let them know if your dentures are uncomfortable, no longer fitting properly, make a noise when you talk or eat, or if they appear worn or broken. In addition, inform them if you notice the development of any oral sores, or persistent bleeding gums or bad breath. These signs and symptoms may be an indication of ill-fitting dentures or other underlying oral issues.

Conclusion: The Key to Maintaining Your Dentures and Oral Health

Dentures can give you a confident smile that will allow you to eat and speak comfortably. In order to maintain your dentures, you must properly care for them. Daily cleaning is key to upholding their longevity and for the health of your gums and teeth. Consistent cleaning not only extends the life of your dentures, but also helps maintain your oral health.

Brush your dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a denture cleaning solution or mild soap and be sure to soak them every night using appropriate cleaning solutions specifically for dentures. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and let them know if you are having any complications with your dentures.