Caring for dentures requires regular maintenance and daily care. Just like natural teeth, dentures can become stained, yellow and damaged over time. To get the most from your dentures and ensure they last longer, following some simple steps will keep them looking fresh, clean and improve your overall smile and appearance in the long-term. With a commitment of only a few minutes a day, you can extend the life of your dentures for years – saving you time, money and extra visits to the dentist.
Daily Denture Cleaning Improves Oral Health
It’s easy for food to get lodged in and around our teeth throughout the day. This is inevitable. A build-up of food can increase the risk of bacteria and plaque, so regular cleaning is a must. This means, getting into the daily habit of cleaning dentures to reduce the chances of irritation and infection.
One of the best ways to do this is to rinse your dentures under running water straight after eating a meal. This immediately removes any lodged food particles and prevents unwanted build up throughout the course of the day. Of course, this doesn’t have to be done after every meal – that would be unrealistic. If you can aim to do this at least once a day, this will ensure your dentures remain at an optimum level of cleanliness.
Another cleaning habit to keep in mind is brushing your dentures with a soft bristle brush and special denture cleaning paste or solution 1 x day.
Why not toothpaste you ask? Regular toothpaste often contains abrasive particles that can scratch and impact the quality of your dentures – limiting the longevity, as well as causing surface scratches that will make them look more unattractive as time goes on.
Lastly, when cleaning your dentures, try and do this over a basin or placing something soft like a bath or hand towel beneath you. If you accidentally drop them, it can not only crack or break your dentures, it can cause distortion and ultimately impact the way it fits in your mouth. Once damaged, you may be up for extra costs in adjustments and repairs.
As you can see, it doesn’t really take too much technical knowledge nor time out of your day to do it right. Consistent habit is the key to maintaining pristine and ultra clean dentures.
For more information on denture care, click here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dentures
Keep Dentures in a Glass of Water or Special Denture Cleaning Solution When Not in Use
One of the things you may not know about dentures is they are designed to be kept wet. This helps maintain pliability and prevents dentures from losing shape. If they become too dry, dentures will inevitably contract, causing a change in shape – causing some discomfort when worn. This is why soaking them in denture cleaning solution or plain water is strictly recommended.
It’s also best to get into the habit of soaking your dentures every night before bed. This will ensure dentures are kept in the best possible condition and last you for a longer period of time. Soaking in water solution will also loosen any food particles, debris and bacteria accumulated throughout the day.
When you’re ready to use your dentures again, don’t forget to rinse under running water for an extra sparkly and fresh clean. If you remember to do this daily, your dentures will be naturally preserved and feel more comfortable to wear.
Dentures Are Easily Damaged – Treat with Care
Although dentures are durable, resilient and strong, they are far from indestructible. Some of the common ways dentures get damaged is often through accidental occurrences such as dropping, bumping or breakage.
When removing or placing in your dentures, this is the time to be extra careful. Avoid using one hand, as there is higher chance of them slipping from your fingers and falling to the floor and breaking. Try using both hands and always handle with extra care. Also, try not to force the dentures in place, as excessive pressure can cause bending and distortion, making it uncomfortable when placed in the mouth. It’s important to remember that dentures are perfectly moulded to fit your mouth, so any minor change can significantly affect your daily comfort levels.
One final thing. It’s recommended you have a special storage place for your dentures -ideally in either a protective case or kept in a glass of denture solution or water. This will keep them clean, safe and protected overnight.
By looking after your dentures properly, you can avoid costly repairs and improve the longevity for years to come.
Book Regular Check-Ups with your Dentist
Regular maintenance and adjustments with your dentist are an essential component to owning dentures. Over time, it’s normal for your mouth, gums and jawbone to change in shape, therefore staying on top of regular check-ups will ensure the best fit and optimal oral health.
When visiting your local dentist in Canberra, one of the first things to expect is a complete and thorough oral examination. The dentist will make adjustments where necessary and address any pain spots you may be experiencing. Whether your dentures are loose or too tight, your dentist can reline, adjust and make modifications to improve overall comfort.
Keep in mind, regular check-ups are recommended every few years to ensure the lifespan of your dentures are properly maintained, as well as ensuring small issues don’t turn into more serious ones. New dentures may take some time to get used to, so don’t worry if they feel strange at first.
Find further information here on how to get the most out of your dentures: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/oral-health/orthodontics-specialty-dental/dentures
Things To Avoid
- Don’t clean with harsh soaps, abrasives or bleach as this can alter the shape & material of the dentures. Use a denture paste instead.
- Avoid hot water, this can distort the shape & warp them.
- Don’t leave dentures in your mouth overnight. This can increase the chances of bacteria build up & infection.
- Don’t attempt to fix dentures yourself. Book a visit to the dentist if you’re experiencing discomfort and pain.
Summary – Extending the Overall Lifespan of Your Dentures
Building good habits is essential to increasing the lifespan of your dentures and maintaining good oral hygiene. The main points to remember is daily cleaning with a soft bristle toothbrush, removing dentures prior to bed, soaking dentures overnight in water or denture cleaning solution and practicing careful handling.
These points all play an important role in supporting excellent oral health, extending the lifespan of dentures and improve your quality of life. Book a consultation with My Dentist Canberra today. Our friendly and experienced dentists will provide you with customised solutions to suit your dental needs and budget requirements.
Questions On Caring For Your Dentures
How do I clean my dentures without ruining the denture material?
The best way to clean your dentures without damaging them is to use a very soft toothbrush and denture cleanser. Avoid regular toothpaste as this can be too harsh and cause further damage your dentures. Don’t clean with very hot water either, as this can change the shape of the dentures.
Do I have to clean dentures every day?
Yes. If you want to increase the longevity of your dentures, cleaning them twice daily is highly recommended. Once in the morning and once before bed. Cleaning dentures after each meal is optional, however it does make a difference in removing plaque build-up and keeping them hygienic and clean.
Is it necessary to remove dentures before bed?
Absolutely, this is a must. When you remove dentures prior to sleep, you are giving your gums a chance to rest, while also reducing bacteria and infection risk. When soaked overnight in denture or water solution, this will help keep dentures in their perfect shape.
What is the best way to store dentures when I’m not wearing them?
When not wearing your dentures, it’s best to keep them soaked in either plain water or a denture cleaning solution to prevent them from getting too dry. Try and store them in protective container with a lid to prevent accidental damage.
Are there any foods I need to avoid eating so my dentures last longer?
Just like natural teeth, avoiding really sticky, hard and chewy foods are best avoided. This can easily damage dentures and cause the dentures to crack or move. Don’t forget to visit the dentist if your fit is impacted, as this can contribute to further pain and discomfor
