A dazzling smile has the incredible power to inspire those around us and illuminate any space. That is why when tooth loss occurs, it can have a significant impact on that smile. Dentures fortunately, are a lifeline for people who have lost teeth. However, understanding the essential job of how to care for dentures is foremost in safeguarding their appearance and lifespan.
A study shows that approximately 36 million individuals in the US live without teeth (edentulous), while around 120 million people are missing at least one tooth. About 90% of people with edentulous teeth use dentures as their primary treatment option. Approximately 15% of the edentulous population is estimated to receive dentures annually.
Cleaning, handling, and maintaining your dentures with care is imperative for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. By learning how to care for dentures, you can defend your stunning grin and broaden the life expectancy of your false teeth.
How to Care for Dentures – Do’s & Don’ts
Knowing how to care for dentures ensures their longevity and optimal fit. Keep the following factors in mind to maintain your dentures in good condition:
The Do’s of Caring for Your Dentures
Clean Dentures Daily
Brush all of your dentures’ surfaces with a soft-bristled denture brush made for cleaning dentures. Take care not to twist any connections. It is essential to rinse your dentures with water after each meal to remove any food particles.
While soaking dentures in specialized cleaners can be beneficial, it is essential to remember that simply soaking them will not eliminate plaque. As a result, brushing your dentures is necessary to ensure that all plaque is removed.
Handle with Care
Handling them with care is important in knowing how to care for dentures. To keep your dentures from breaking (in case you accidentally drop them), cover them with a folded towel or fill the sink with water before handling them. When not being used, permit your false teeth to absorb cool water to keep them from drying out.
Cleaning solutions may tarnish the metal of your dentures if they have metal attachments. In addition, dentures should not be submerged in hot water because this can cause them to deform.
Take Out Your Dentures Every Night
Dentures, whether full or partial, should be taken out every night. This permits the gum tissue to rest and revive.
The Don’ts of Caring for Your Dentures
Avoid Using Sharp Objects
While cleaning your false teeth, avoiding anything rough or sharp is significant. Dentures should not be cleaned with toothpicks or dental scrapers because they can easily slip and harm your mouth’s delicate tissues.
Avoid Using Abrasive Cleaning Products
Avoid brushes with hard bristles, toothpaste that stings, and strong cleaners because they could hurt your dentures. To preserve the integrity of your false teeth, choose gentle cleaning techniques.
Forget About Tooth Whitening Pastes
Toothpaste marked as “brightening” frequently contains hydrogen peroxide, significantly affecting dental replacement teeth’ shade. Try not to use these kinds of toothpaste on your false teeth.
Avoid Bleach-Containing Products
Any bleaching product on your dentures could weaken them and change their color. If your false teeth have metal connections or parts, try not to lower them in that frame of mind, as this can cause rusting and staining.
Avoid Using Hot Water
Hot or bubbling water can harm your false teeth, so it is ideal to use warm water for cleaning and support purposes. To maintain the quality of your dentures, pay special attention to the temperature of the water.
Avoid Tugging Motions While Eating
While it may take some time to get used to eating with dentures, it is essential to use them correctly to avoid damage. To prevent chipping or other issues, you should not eat in large quantities and refrain from biting hard objects with your front dentures or using tugging motions.
Don’t Forget to Care for Them
Since dentures play a crucial role in your daily life, properly caring for them is vital to ensure longevity. Handle them carefully, avoid tossing them around carelessly, and keep them clean and sanitized. Treating your dentures gently and maintaining hygiene allows you to enjoy a healthy and comfortable oral environment.
How Often Should I Clean My Dentures?
Maintaining a regular denture cleaning routine is highly recommended by dentists and is an integral part of knowing how to care for dentures.
Aim to clean your dentures at least once every day, but brushing them twice a day is even better. Begin by brushing your dentures in the morning and repeat the process before bedtime at night. This helps to remove any accumulated debris, stains, or bacteria that may have built up during the day.
For optimal cleanliness, it is advisable to immerse your dentures in a mild soap solution or a denture-specific tooth-cleaning solution each night. This soaking process helps to disinfect and freshen your dentures further while you sleep, ensuring they are ready for use the next day.
While toothpaste should not be used to brush dentures, it is important to prioritize the care of your gums and tongue. Brushing these areas at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush or a specialized gum brush helps maintain the health of your gums and prevents the development of bad breath. Be thorough and gentle when brushing, paying attention to the gum line and tongue surface.
Paying equal attention to your remaining natural teeth is essential if you wear partial dentures. Brush and floss your natural teeth regularly to keep them clean and healthy. This step is crucial in preventing dental issues and maintaining the overall well-being of your mouth.
In addition to brushing and soaking your dentures, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can benefit your oral health. Mouthwash helps to freshen your breath, reduce plaque, and promote a clean oral environment.
Why Should I Soak My Dentures in Water At Night?
Submerging partial or complete dentures in water or a denture solution when not wearing them is essential for proper care. The acrylic material used to make dentures can dry out and lose shape if not kept moist. Dentures may become brittle and no longer fit properly as a result.
Remember that dentures have small pores, so keeping them moist is important in determining how well they work and last. By guaranteeing your false teeth are kept moist when not being used, you can assist in protecting their shape, strength, and agreeable fit.
Conclusion
Dentures are a lifeline for people who have lost their teeth, and understanding how to care for dentures is crucial to maintaining their appearance and durability. By learning how to care for dentures and following the do’s and don’ts of denture care, you can keep them in excellent condition and prolong their lifespan.
At Norwood Dental, patient satisfaction is at the heart of everything. Our dedicated staff and dentists are unwavering in their commitment and passion for delivering exceptional care that surpasses expectations.
We strive to be a dental practice where excellence is the norm, ensuring that each and every one of our patients receives the highest level of dental care available. Call us at 952.467.3518 or visit our office at 222 E Wilson Street, Norwood, MN, 55368.