A Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Your Dentures

You’ve taken that first step to improving your smile and making it easier to enjoy your favorite foods. Now it’s time to keep those dentures looking their best. Denture care is much like that for natural teeth except for a few crucial steps that are unique to this particular dental solution. To help you get started, below are the steps to take to ensure the best possible care of your new dentures, along with ways to maintain a healthy mouth and smile.

Brush Dentures at Least Once Per Day

Brush your new dentures at least one time per day. Remove the dentures, and while holding them over the sink, gently brush the front, back, and sides with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a specialized denture cleaner. Resist using any abrasive toothpastes or gels. Also, avoid brushing too harshly or dropping dentures, as these actions can result in damage.

Rinse Dentures After Each Meal

While you don’t have to brush your dentures after each meal, it is beneficial and recommended that you rinse them with cold water for a full minute or two. Food particles can easily become stuck, and you may be unaware of them. If left in place, they can lead to a build-up of bacteria which can damage your gums and oral health.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

Before falling asleep, get in the habit of removing your dentures. Place them in a container of water next to your bed. By doing so, you keep them hydrated, and this helps to prevent any shrinking or warping. You may also use a mild denture soaking solution, but it’s best to discuss this with your dentist first. A homemade solution is one possibility, consisting of water and vinegar only.

Undergo Weekly Deep Cleaning and Examinations at Home

In addition to daily brushing and rinsing, schedule a day each week to give your dentures a deeper cleaning and examination. For the deep cleaning, plan on soaking the dentures in a cleansing product that contains the Seal of Acceptance added by the American Dental Association.

For the examination, look for any chips, cracks, or splits. If your dentures have metal parts, check them for bending or corrosion. If you find anything, contact your dentist, as these can irritate your gums and lead to inflammation.

Limit or Avoid Stain Causing Food and Beverages

Dentures, much like natural teeth, are prone to staining. To help limit or avoid this, stay away as much as possible from those food and drinks known to have staining and acidic properties, which include:

• Coffee
• Black tea
• Red wine
• Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.)
• Citrus juice
• Sodas

While it can be hard to give up these items, if you do consume them, be sure to rinse your mouth and dentures with water afterward.

Keep the Interior of Your Mouth Healthy

Keeping the interior of your mouth healthy plays a major role in caring for your new dentures. Each evening and morning, after cleaning your dentures, gently brush your tongue and gums with a regular toothpaste and use a mild mouthwash that can help fight bacteria. This step not only prepares a clean environment for your dentures but it also stimulates blood circulation inside your mouth.

Use the Right Dental Cleaning Tools

Prior to getting dentures, you may have had a favorite toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash. You will now need to reassess all your dental cleaning tools and methods and make adjustments. It is so important not to scratch your dentures, as this will make them more susceptible to staining and bacteria build-up.

Avoid using medium or hard-bristled toothbrushes and highly abrasive toothpastes. You will also need to stop using whitening toothpastes as these can dissolve coatings on some types of dentures.

Ensure Proper Fitting

How your dentures fit is crucial to how they function and to your comfortability. Continue to notice how yours are fitting. If they feel loose, your dentist can readjust them. If they feel tight or pinching, immediately schedule an appointment. Without a proper fit, you may avoid wearing them, continue to adjust them while inside your mouth, or damage your surrounding gums.

Schedule Regular Dentist Check-ups

Regular dentist check-ups are crucial for denture wearers. Talk to your dental team about how often you should come in and call to schedule an appointment if you experience any issue or discomfort.

During each check-up, your dentist will look for any problems with the dentures themselves and also inspect the interior of your mouth. Discuss any concerns and ask as many questions as you like each time. Your dentist can provide the advice you need to thoroughly care for your dentures and how to maintain a healthy mouth.

In general, with proper care, your dentures can last for years. There are signs, however, to be on the lookout for that can indicate you need a refitting or a replacement. These signs include irritation and chronic inflammation around and under where the dentures sit in your mouth and excessive wear and tear of the dentures themselves.

Contact Linworth Family Dental for All Your Dental Care Needs

Whatever your dental care needs may be, from cleanings to crowns to dentures, Linworth Family Dental is here to help you achieve a beautiful smile and overall good oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.