Dentures are an excellent solution for restoring your smile, improving chewing ability, and boosting your confidence after tooth loss. Whether you wear full or partial dentures, proper care is essential to ensure they remain comfortable, functional, and long-lasting. Well-maintained dentures also support your overall oral health and help prevent irritation or infection. Here are 6 tips for how to take care of your dentures at home.
1. Clean Your Dentures Daily
Just like natural teeth, dentures can collect food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Cleaning them every day helps prevent bad breath, stains, and gum infections.
How to clean your dentures:
- Remove and rinse them after meals to eliminate loose food particles.
- Use a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface.
- Brush all surfaces of the dentures gently, including the part that touches your gums.
- Rinse thoroughly with water before placing them back in your mouth.
2. Soak Dentures Overnight
Dentures need to stay moist to retain their shape and flexibility. When you’re not wearing them, especially while sleeping, store them in a cup of water or a denture-soaking solution recommended by your dentist. This not only preserves the material but also helps remove bacteria and stains.
3. Handle With Care
Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. Always handle them over a soft towel or a sink filled with water to cushion any accidental falls. Avoid bending or damaging the plastic or metal parts.
4. Don’t Forget Your Mouth
Even if you wear full dentures, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily with a soft toothbrush or gauze pad. This removes plaque and stimulates blood circulation in the tissues.
- If you wear partial dentures, brush your remaining natural teeth as well.
5. Avoid Harmful Habits
Certain habits can shorten the life of your dentures or irritate your mouth:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens.
- Do not use bleach or harsh cleaning products.
- Never use hot or boiling water to clean or soak dentures; it can warp them.
- If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, don’t try to adjust them yourself. See your dentist.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are essential. Your dentist will check for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and ensure your dentures still fit well. Over time, your mouth may change, and your dentures might need relining or replacement.
Caring for your dentures doesn’t have to be complicated. With daily cleaning, proper storage, gentle handling, and regular dental visits, you can keep your dentures and your smile in great condition for years to come.
About the Practice
Looking to get your look and functionality back? At Harper Dental, we can replace your missing teeth with a number of various denture solutions, including full and partial dentures, denture bridges, or denture implants. We do denture implant placement in-house, meaning you don’t need a referral to another office. We’ll also maximize your dental insurance and offer flexible financing options. Ready for your prosthesis? Schedule your appointment online or call our Fort Smith office at (479) 452-1638.