How to Properly Care for Your Dentures

Dentures have been around since the 7th century B.C., yet they remain a mainstay of modern dentistry for a simple reason: they work. From helping to improve chewing function and speed to enhancing appearance, they offer a wide range of benefits. And with the underlying technology improving all the time, dentures are becoming more comfortable than ever before.

That said, dentures do have a pretty noticeable drawback: they’ll quickly fall into a state of disrepair if they’re not looked after correctly. In this post, we’ll run through some handy tips that’ll help to keep your dentures in pristine condition.

Handle with Care

Your dentures will be strong, but they’re not invincible. Handling your dentures with care is paramount for keeping them in tip-top condition. It’s best to handle your dentures in a soft environment (say, in a carpeted room) since they can easily break if dropped from a height onto a hard surface. Aside from minimizing the risk of falling, handling your dentures with care will help to prevent warping that will impact how they fit in your mouth, and will also reduce scratches that could become breeding grounds for bacterial growth.  

Clean Thoroughly

The best way to keep your dentures in excellent condition is to commit to thorough cleaning. You should brush your dentures at least once a day (though, like your teeth, it’s best to do it twice a day), and also leave them soaking in a denture-friendly solution overnight. The cleaning should get rid of any obvious debris, while soaking will provide the deep clean they need to prevent bacterial growth. Rinsing your dentures with water after you’ve eaten can also help to prevent the build-up of food debris. 

Schedule Checkups 

Your dentures will be durable and long-lasting, and most wearers find that they can get up to ten years of use before they have to be replaced. Still, it’s best not to assume that everything is working as it should. Instead, have things checked over by a professional. Even if the dentures are in good condition, the shape of your mouth may change. In that case, your dentist may need to use a silicone remover for dentures to ensure proper fit. Plus, during the appointment, your dentist will check that your overall oral health is in good condition.

You should schedule a checkup twice a year. With that said, if something feels off — for example, your dentures feel uncomfortable or they’re making a noise when you eat — then make an appointment straight away. Sometimes, dentures can become damaged without you realizing it, but don’t attempt to fix them yourself; it’s a job that’s best left to the professionals! 

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Mouth

Finally, remember that it’s not just your dentures that require everyday cleaning; your mouth does, too! You can keep your mouth clean by gently brushing your gums and using mouthwash. Round it off by rinsing your mouth with warm water, and you’ll have done all you can to prevent bacterial growth and keep your gums in good health.