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Optimal Denture Maintenance
Introduction:
We have compiled this article on Optimal Denture Maintenance. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.
[1]Removable partial or full dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains, and looking their best. For good denture care:
Remove And Rinse Dentures After Eating
Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so the dentures won’t break if you drop them.
Handle Your Dentures Carefully
Be sure you don’t bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
Clean Your Mouth After Removing Your Dentures
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth (palate). If used, remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums.
Brush Your Dentures At Least Daily
Remove and gently clean your dentures daily. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque, and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Don’t use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
Soak Dentures Overnight
Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution
These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain, or burns if swallowed.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Your dentist will recommend how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Your dentist can help ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort, and also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it’s healthy.
See Your Dentist If You Have A Loose Fit
See your dentist promptly if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores, and infection.
You Typically Should Avoid:
Abrasive cleaning materials
Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers, and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
Whitening toothpaste
Toothpaste advertised as whitening pastes often contain peroxide, which does little to change the color of denture teeth.
Bleach-containing products
Don’t use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color. Don’t soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and corrode the metal.
Hot water
Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.
[2]Cleaning Instructions
Step 1
Place a soft, folded towel on your bathroom counter before removing your dentures. If you accidentally drop your dentures, the softness provides a cushion to protect them.
Step 2
Remove the dentures from your mouth and rinse them with warm water.
Step 3
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush your dentures to loosen and remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Clean all areas of the denture surface. You can use a denture cleanser or mild soap and warm water. Brushing also loosens and removes any denture adhesive. After brushing, rinse the dentures with warm water.
Step 4
If you’re going to bed, soak your dentures in lukewarm water or a denture-soaking solution overnight. Don’t let your dentures dry out. Dryness causes them to lose their shape and become more brittle. In the mornings, rinse your dentures before wearing them.
Warning. Don’t soak your dentures in hot water. Heat can alter the shape of the material.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dentures?
Dentists recommend that you clean your dentures at least once daily. It’s even better to brush your dentures twice a day.
It’s a good idea to brush your dentures when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night. You should also soak them in a mild soap or a dental cleaning solution each night.
Although you shouldn’t use toothpaste when brushing dentures, you should use toothpaste to brush your gums and tongue twice a day. This keeps your gums healthy and helps prevent bad breath.
If you have partial dentures, don’t forget to brush and floss your remaining teeth daily.
Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash also contributes to oral health. You can remove dentures before using mouthwash, or use mouthwash designed for denture wearers.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading this article and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!
Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental
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