If you’re a denture wearer, then it’s important that you know how to properly care for your dentures. A good care and cleaning routine will keep your dentures looking clean and beautiful and will prevent harmful bacterial buildup. Here’s what you need to do on a regular basis to maintain your dentures.
Brush your dentures daily (but don’t use toothpaste!)
Just like with teeth, daily brushing is a must for keeping dentures clean. However, toothpaste should never be used on your dentures. Toothpaste is specifically formulated to remove debris from natural teeth. It’s too abrasive for dentures and can create scratches where food and bacteria can collect over time. Instead, use a dedicated denture brush with soft bristles and a denture cleaner, taking care to rinse off your dentures thoroughly with clean water after brushing.
Rinse your dentures after every meal
Keep your dentures clean throughout the day by giving them a good rinse after each meal to remove food residue and debris.
Soak your dentures every night
In general, dentures need to be soaked overnight on a daily basis. Submerging them in water not only allows stubborn residue to be washed away, it also keeps them moist so they retain their shape over the long term. Dentures that are allowed to dry out may change their shape and no longer fit properly in your mouth.
Depending on the type of dentures you have, you may need to soak them in just water or in a special cleaning solution. In the latter case, it’s important to rinse off your dentures thoroughly with clean water before wearing them, since the cleaning agent can be harmful to your mouth and overall health.
The bottom line on denture care
Since your dentures are meant to function just like natural teeth, they require the same amount of care and attention to keep them clean, healthy, and in good condition for years to come. If you are interested in getting dentures or have questions about denture care, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
