Modern dentures are astoundingly beautiful, comfortable, and functional, and they can last for seven years or more if they receive excellent care. Luckily, proper denture maintenance includes only a simple daily cleaning regimen as well as a few common-sense habits. Here’s a brief overview of a few of the best ways to ensure that your new teeth stay in excellent shape for as long as possible.
Rinse Your Dentures After Each Meal
When you eat or drink anything but water, the items you consume can leave food debris and sugary residues on your dentures. While it’s important to clean your appliance at least once a day, you should also take care to thoroughly rinse it off after each meal to flush away large bits of food matter as well as some of the sticky, sugary film left by sweets and sodas. This will reduce the likelihood of stains on your restoration as well as oral infections.
Clean and Soak Your Dentures Every Night
At least once a day, remove your dentures and gently clean each of their surfaces with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive toothpaste before thoroughly flossing each of the teeth. While wearing your dentures continuously for days may seem tempting since they are so comfortable, this is a terrible idea that can lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and nasty oral infections. Going without wearing your dentures for a full eight hours daily is essential so your mouth can rest and clean itself.
When you soak your dentures, place them in a vessel full of water or an approved soaking solution. Most patients soak their appliances before bed so their mouths can rest while they sleep. Never use hot or cold water to treat your dentures, as the temperature shifts they cause can cause your appliance to warp or break. Be sure to thoroughly rinse your device before putting it back in your mouth since denture soaking agents are not made to be ingested.
Protect Your Dentures from Damage
While dentures are quite durable, they are not invincible, so it’s important to protect them from harm. Be careful when chewing, as hard or sticky foods can warp or break parts of your dentures. Before removing your dentures for cleaning, you can create a cushion in case you drop them by placing folded towels across your countertop and filling your sink with lukewarm water. Make sure to keep your appliance out of the reach of pets and small children when not wearing them.
Proper denture care can keep your appliance in excellent shape for years. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to maintain your prosthetic device so it can remain beautiful and functional.
About the Author
Dr. Kerry T. Plaisance, Jr., earned his dental degree at Louisiana State University and keeps his skills up to date by participating in continuing education coursework. He is proud to be a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and has been chosen as a Top Dentist in New Orleans Magazine for over a decade. His office in River Ridge offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact his office online or dial (504) 738-5171.
