Dentures can be an excellent way to restore a smile after extensive tooth loss, but they require daily care and maintenance to keep working well and looking their best. Just like with real teeth, dentures require more than just brushing to stay healthy and beautiful. Read on to learn more about what constitutes proper denture care and how to make it part of your daily routine.
Why Do I Need to Clean My Dentures?
Just like with natural teeth, plaque and food debris can become stuck to your dentures. While the dentures themselves are immune to tooth decay, this accumulation can become a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause numerous oral health problems. Failing to clean your dentures can result in bad breath, gum disease, and other oral infections.
How Should I Clean My Dentures?
You’ll need some supplies to keep your dentures clean. These include running water, a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for dentures, an approved denture cleanser, and a soft towel. It is crucial to brush your dentures once a day, but brushing them both at night and in the morning is ideal.
Do not use toothpaste while brushing your dentures, as it can be abrasive on acrylic and porcelain surfaces. It can leave scratches or even create small cracks. Take care to never expose your dentures to hot water or allow them to dry out, as these can lead to warping and cracking.
Your daily cleaning routine should go like this:
- Cover your bathroom counter with a soft towel and fill the sink with warm water before removing your dentures. This will create a cushion to protect your appliance if you drop it during cleaning.
- Take your dentures out and rinse them with warm water.
- Gently brush every surface of your dentures with the special soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and food particles that can harbor bacteria as well as leftover denture adhesive. You can also use denture cleanser or mild soap with warm water during this step. Rinse the appliance with warm water when finished.
- Before going to bed, soak your dentures overnight in denture-soaking solution or lukewarm water.
- Rinse your dentures off before reinserting them in the morning.
Your dentures are meant to be a long-term investment that can restore your ability to speak, smile, and chew. With proper care, they can serve you well for up to ten years.
About the Practice
Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas provides patients with the care they need in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Led by Drs. Scott Ludlow and Shayan Azimi, the skilled staff offers an array of services to maintain, repair, restore, and beautify smiles. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture treatments. For more information on proper denture care, contact the office online or dial (469) 981-1700.
