To keep your dentures clean and free from stains and bacteria, they need proper care. Need some tips on how to clean, store, and handle your dentures the right way? Your Dallas dentist is here to help.
Cleaning Tips
- Dentures need regular cleaning, just like your real teeth. Ideally, you should take off and rinse dentures after every meal. If this is not possible, be sure to clean them thoroughly at least once a day. You may use a denture cleanser or liquid soap to remove food deposits, plaque, and other particles. Doing so will help prevent the formation of stains.
- Before inserting your dentures, brush your natural teeth, tongue, palate, gums, as well as the roof and cheeks of your mouth using a soft-bristled brush. This will help stimulate circulation in your mouth. In the same way, we recommend that you massage your gums to stimulate blood circulation before removing dentures.
- To reduce odor-causing bacteria, be sure to soak your dentures overnight. Your dental provider and the brand of the solution may have their recommendations; simply follow given instructions.
Do not clean your dentures with the following:
- Whitening toothpaste
- Abrasive cleaning items
- Hot water
- Products with bleach
Handling Tips
- Rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in. This is especially true if you are using a cleansing solution. The chemicals in the solution may cause pain, vomiting, or burns when ingested.
- When handling them, be sure to stand over a sink with water or a folded towel. Remember that dentures are delicate and may break when dropped.
Storing Tips
- Never allow your dentures to dry out. When you are not wearing them, place them in plain water or a soaking solution.
- Do not wrap them in a paper towel. You don’t want others to mistake it for trash! Store smart by keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
Visit Your Dallas dentist for Denture Maintenance
People with dentures need to visit their dental professional on a regular basis too! Get your dentures and mouth cleaned and examined, most especially if your dentures feel loose, no longer fit properly, or chip, break, or crack. Do not attempt to repair or adjust them yourself. This may damage your dentures beyond repair.
If your dentures are a few years old and are not fitting properly, we recommend that you come in for a visit. We can help you by repairing your dentures or put in new teeth that feel and look good.
Sources:
“Denture Care Instructions and Tips.” Oral B, https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adults/denture-care-instructions-tips.
“Denture Care and Maintenance.” American Dental Association, https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/dentures.
“Denture care: How do I clean dentures?” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375.
“7 rules for denture care.” Reader’s Digest Best Health, https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/7-rules-for-denture-care/.
