Here’s How to Take Excellent Care of Your Dentures

Dentures can be an excellent way to restore a smile after extensive tooth loss. Modern false teeth are a far cry from the ivory set worn by George Washington because they are incredibly lifelike and so comfortable that you might forget that they are there. However, you will still need to practice proper oral hygiene if you have dentures. Here’s how to take excellent care of your dentures so they can look great while lasting for as long as possible.

How Should I Clean My Dentures?

Even though dentures are not real teeth, plaque and food debris can still stick to them. Though dentures are immune to tooth decay, the bacteria that feed and multiply in this residue can still attack the gums that the appliance depends on for support. While gum disease can lead to bone erosion that will negatively affect your dentures’ fit, it will also lead to bad breath that can cause embarrassment in social situations.

You should clean your dentures at least once every day, but twice a day is even better. An excellent cleaning routine includes:

1. Fold a towel and place it across your bathroom counter before you remove your dentures. This will serve as a cushion if you drop them. Fill the sink with warm water for the same reason.
2. Take your dentures out of your mouth and rinse them using warm water.
3. Gently brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to clean every area of the appliance’s surface to remove bacteria, food debris, plaque, and denture adhesive. You should not use toothpaste, but you might want to use a denture cleanser or mild soap with warm water.
4. Rinse your dentures with warm water after brushing.

How Should I Soak My Dentures?

Even though they are incredibly comfortable, wearing dentures all day can be stressful for your mouth. Your gums need eight hours without them every day so they can rest while your mouth thoroughly cleans itself. Most denture patients soak their dentures before they go to bed by submersing them in lukewarm water or an approved denture-soaking solution. It is important to never let your dentures dry out, as this can cause them to warp and become brittle. Before you put your dentures back in your mouth in the morning, rinse them thoroughly.

It’s also crucial to never soak your dentures in hot water. While this might seem like a fast and easy way to clean them, this will warp the material and possibly cause cracks to form.

In addition to taking proper care of your dentures at home, you should also see your dentist regularly for checkups and relines so your dentures can continue fitting well. With proper care, your dentures can last for up to ten years.

About the Author

Dr. Mark D. Medaugh earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Pennsylvania as a Pierre Fauchard Scholar. He is a proud member of such prestigious professional organizations as the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Association. His office in Belchertown, MA offers preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture treatments. For more information on proper denture care, contact his office online or dial (413) 323-4335.