Tips for Taking Care of Your Dentures

Aging really takes its toll on healthy teeth, along with years of habits such as drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. To regain an attractive and comfortable smile, plenty of patients choose to invest in either full or partial dentures. If you’re considering dentures near Westlake, start your research process by understanding how to ensure you maintain their quality for years to come, with these tips on caring for your dentures.

Handle With Care

Each time you remove your dentures, hold them over a folded towel or a full sink of water. Contact with a hard surface could crack, chip or break them, leading to expensive repairs.

Brush and Rinse

A thorough brushing each day by hand is required to keep your dentures clean, although caring for them doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking. A brush with soft bristles that are designed for dentures should be used gently across all the denture surfaces. You should not use brushes with hard bristles, which can wear down or damage the surface. You should rinse your dentures after each meal, taking extra time to avoid damaging the bend and plastic attachments.

Use Mild Cleansers

Mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid are both acceptable substances for cleaning, while most other household cleansers and toothpaste will be too abrasive. The surface of your dentures is very different from your teeth, and many abrasive pastes will leave behind microscopic scratches. Do not use bleach, which could whiten the entire surface. For rinsing after meals, consider using an ultrasonic cleaner. This small device delivers sound waves through a cleaning solution, creating wave motions that dislodge food and other deposits. If you aren’t sure whether a product will be safe or effective, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

Care Outside of the Mouth

Dentures will dry out and become misshapen if they aren’t kept moist every time you remove them from your mouth. You should protect them by placing them in water or an approved cleansing and soaking solution. Never use hot water, which can lead to warping. Avoid soaking solutions if your dentures have metal attachments, as they could tarnish. Before taking new dentures home, ask your dentist for a recommendation on best care practices.