6 Ways to Keep Removable Dentures in Top Shape
Now that you've gone through the time and effort to get your dentures made, the last thing you need is to have problems with them. Removable partial or full dentures require proper denture care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best longer.
1. Proper Cleaning of Dentures
If you thought having dentures meant you could give up brushing your teeth, you'll have to think again. It is still necessary to brush your dentures, however, you will need to make some adjustments. Do not use regular toothpaste because many commercial brands of toothpaste can end up damaging your dentures. It is recommended that you use a soft-bristle denture brush as well, one that is specifically made for cleaning them and use some water and liquid soap to brush all the surfaces of your dentures.
2. Treating Your Dentures Right
Chances are, your dentures didn't come cheap. Although dentures are durable, they still are not completely impervious to being broken. When you are handling them over the sink, it is a good idea to lay a folded towel down or fill the sink with water so that if you do happen to drop them, they will be protected. Whenever you take your dentures out for a period of time, make sure to soak them in cool or lukewarm water or a specialized denture cleaner so that they do not dry out. If your dentures have metal attachments, be aware that certain solutions can cause them to tarnish. And never leave them where young children or pets can reach them.
3. Care While You Sleep
Whether you have a full or partial denture, the most important thing is to keep up with daily denture hygiene. Removing your dentures every night will help, however, if it is something that you aren't comfortable with, the priority is to thoroughly clean them before bedtime so your denture won't harbor any bacteria while you sleep. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Don't use denture cleansers inside your mouth. Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and liquid soap or a non-abrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque, and other deposits. Check with your denturist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
4. Get proper nutrition
Since dentures may make it difficult or even painful to bite and chew fresh fruits and vegetables, there's a risk you're missing out on essential nutrients. Make sure you're eating a well-balanced diet by following Canada's Food Guide. Research suggests that proper nutrition slows the progress of gum disease, so a healthier diet could even mean a healthier mouth.
5. Try to avoid
- Abrasive cleaning materials. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers, and toothpaste made for real teeth, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
- Whitening toothpaste. The kinds of toothpaste advertised as whitening pastes often contain peroxide, which does little to change the color of denture teeth.
- Bleach-containing products. Don't use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color. Don't soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and corrode the metal.
- Very Hot water. Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.
6. Schedule regular visits to your Denturist.
Your denturist will recommend how often to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Your denture professional can help ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort, and also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it's healthy.
To ensure you keep your dentures longer, proper daily care of dentures and gums is super important. Contact our St Catharines Denture Clinic for the most up-to-date advice on caring for your dentures.
