Your teeth may be false, but your smile is one hundred percent real. And because dentures are well known to boost self-confidence, regular and proper denture care is so important. Just like caring for your original teeth, daily cleaning and brushing of your dentures will be required.
But there is so much more involved with caring for them than brushing. If you want your dentures to look amazing over the long-term, simply follow the steps below to keep them well-maintained and in great condition.
Brush Your Dentures
No matter if you have removable or fixed dentures, all types of dentures need to be cleaned and brushed. While dentures should be brushed at least once each day, most dentists would agree that brushing them once in the morning and again at night is highly recommended. Simply by brushing your dentures twice a day, it helps remove food, prevent needing denture repair, while also maintaining good oral health overall.
Because normal toothpaste is much too abrasive, it’s important not to use any on your dentures as it can create tiny scratches for plaque and bacteria to thrive. While you should use a denture cleaner that’s been designed specifically for that use, you can also use a mild soap to brush with.
You must also avoid using a brush with hard-bristles as they too can gradually wear down and damage your dentures. You are recommended to use a brush with nice and soft bristles and has been specifically designed to clean dentures, and never use an electric brush. Use the soft bristled toothbrush to gently clean all surfaces of your dentures, while being very careful not to cause any damage to the plastic attachments.
Rinse Your Dentures
Because food and plaque can have a similar negative effect on dentures as natural teeth, you should get into the habit of rinsing them throughout the day. That means taking removable dentures out to rinse them thoroughly after every meal and between brushings as needed.
You also need to rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them inside your mouth, especially if they have been in a soaking solution overnight. This is very important because some denture solutions contain harmful chemicals which can cause vomiting, burning, and pain if accidentally swallowed.
Clean Your Mouth
While you should never brush dentures with normal toothpaste, you absolutely should use toothpaste to brush inside your mouth at least twice a day. This includes brushing and flossing any remaining teeth if you only have partial dentures. Just like with normal teeth, daily brushing inside your mouth helps keep your gums healthy while also preventing bad breath.
You need to clean your gums, palate, and tongue using a soft-bristled brush before you put your immediate dentures in each morning. Even if you only have partial dentures, daily brushing is important because it stimulates the circulation of saliva inside your mouth while also removing plaque. You will also need to remove any excess or leftover denture adhesive that still remains on your gums.
Another way of contributing to your overall oral health is by rinsing out your mouth multiple times during each day. Simply use normal mouthwash before you put your dentures in or after you take them out. Otherwise you can use lukewarm salt water or mouthwash designed specifically for use with dentures. You should also regularly give your gums a massage while resting from dentures each day.
Denture Adhesive
If you’re using denture adhesive to hold them in place during the day, you should always use the correct amount as specified on the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also important not to sleep with removable dentures in your mouth. Remember to remove any and all remaining adhesive from your dentures using mild soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush, taking particular care to clean the grooves which fit against the gums.
Soak Your Dentures
Because dentures must stay moist in order to keep their shape, you need to let them soak overnight in lukewarm water or a mild solution for dentures. That being said, you should never soak them in hot water as it can also cause dentures to warp. To ensure you are correctly storing your specific dentures overnight, always speak with your denture clinic and follow manufacturer instructions.
Remember that not only will cleaning your new dentures extend their life considerably, but it will also help you maintain the best possible oral health. Talk to the experts at Aesthetic Dental and Denture Clinic today to find out more about dentures and even emergency denture repairs.
