When you receive your dentures, you might experience a variety of emotions. Excitement––you’ll be able to smile, speak, and eat as well as ever. Confusion––how will I get used to them? Will others be able to tell? And lastly, nervousness––how do I take proper care of them? How do I ensure that my new teeth stay healthy, shiny, and clean?
We offer denture services to assist you when things don’t go perfectly. We are happy to clean and repair dentures to get them in their original, optimal condition. However, there are a few things which you can do on your own to ensure that your dentures and mouth remain healthy and free of issues.
Oral Health and Dentures
Dentures are not a free pass to stop focusing on dental health! They require attention and care in order to prevent them from harboring bacteria and becoming damaged.
Always remove and rinse your dentures after you eat. Run your dentures under some water to free them of any food residue or other particles. It’s important to always keep them clean, because sugar and food residue can lead to bacteria buildup and decay.
Clean your mouth after you remove your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or an extremely soft, non-abrasive toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Always remove any remaining denture adhesive from your mouth.
Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure the your dentures are clean and not causing any issues. A cleaning will also help to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth and dentures.
Cleaning My Dentures
When rinsing your dentures, be sure to protect them from any accidental drops or falls. Place a towel on the counter and have a layer of water in the sink so that if you drop them, they’ll be protected.
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to handle your dentures with care. Be sure not to bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when you clean them. We have seen many accidentally damaged dentures, and many users just aren’t aware of proper cleaning and handling techniques.
Brush your dentures daily or more. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleanser. Doing so will remove plaque, food, and other deposits. Clean off any remaining adhesive as well.
Soak your dentures overnight. Many types need to stay moist in order to function best. Place them in water or a mild denture soaking solution overnight. Avoid using too hot of water as this may damage them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your dentist’s advice.
If you have a loose fit, or if they just “feel different,” be sure to schedule a checkup! Any changes should be monitored to ensure that you have the best experience possible.
Here at Denture Helper, we are always happy to help you maintain the quality of your dentures. There are some things you can do at home, and we hope that this blog helped answer the many questions people have about cleaning their dentures! Visit our website denturehelper.com today to learn more about our services.
