Getting your first set of dentures brings about a period of adjustment as you get used to them. It also comes with the need to learn how to take proper care of them. After all, these are your new teeth, and you’ll want them to last as long as possible. Most dentures are made to last 7 to 10 years before needing to be replaced, so in order to help your dentures last longer, follow our denture care tips!
Proper Denture Maintenance & Care
Dentures are incredibly delicate and fragile, so they need to be handled with care. There are many things people do to try and keep their dentures clean and well maintained, but some of them actually do more harm than good. To properly care for and maintain your dentures, you should:
- Remove and rinse your dentures with warm water after eating and drinking to remove any food particles.
- Take your time when cleaning your dentures, and always clean them over a sink full of water or a soft surface like a folded towel in case you drop them.
- Don’t use toothpaste or teeth whitening products. Abrasive toothpaste can scratch the dentures and teeth whitening products can change the colour of the dentures, so they look unnatural.
- Always take your dentures out when you go to bed.
- Soak dentures overnight in warm or cool water. Hot water can soften the denture and change its shape, making it not fit properly anymore.
- Do not attempt to fix broken dentures yourself. Doing so can cause more damage. Book an appointment with your denturist to have them repaired instead.
- If you use denture adhesive, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right amount. Clean off the adhesive every night and apply fresh adhesive in the morning.
Proper Denture Cleaning
To keep dentures clean, your denture care routine should include brushing them like normal teeth at least once per day. However, you will need to use a toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush that is specifically designed for dentures. It is also important to incorporate a nightly cleaning routine You will pick up food debris as you use your dentures throughout the day, which can lead to bacteria that causes bad breath and plaque that will damage the dentures over time. Also, any denture adhesive you use will need to be removed at night. Here’s what you’ll need to properly clean your dentures before bed:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- A denture cleaning solution or mild soap
- Water
- A soft towel
Lay out the towel on your bathroom counter to create a soft surface in case you drop your dentures. Then remove your dentures and rinse them with warm water. Using the soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaning solution or mild soap, gently brush all areas of the denture surface to remove bacteria, food particles, plaque and denture adhesive. After brushing, rinse the dentures again in warm water. Before going to bed, soak your dentures in lukewarm water, or a denture soaking solution overnight. Leaving your dentures out in a dry place will cause them to lose their shape and become more brittle. Before wearing your dentures in the morning, give them one more rinse in warm water.
Have Regular Checkups With Your Denturist
It is important to schedule an appointment with your denturist once or twice per year to have your dentures and gums checked. During your appointment, your denturist will:
- Update your medical & dental history
- Check dentures for stains, chips and cracks
- Check your gum tissue and jawbone structure
- Test the stability and structural integrity of your dentures
- Professional cleaning and polishing of your dentures
- Review oral hygiene routines and habits
Your denturist will recommend any changes to your dentures and oral hygiene routine that need to be made to maintain your oral health.
Book Your Denture Appointment at Halton Denture Clinic
Halton Denture Clinic is the region’s premiere denture clinic, serving people across Oakville, Milton, East Burlington, and Southwest Mississauga. Our denturists can get you set up with the right dentures for you, and help you with cleaning and maintenance, making the whole process of getting and adjusting to your dentures a breeze. If you’re in need of new dentures, denture maintenance, or denture cleaning, then contact us today to book an appointment!