Guide to Denture Care
Dentures are a great option if you need to replace missing teeth. When fitted properly, they’ll be comfortable and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods. But once you get your dentures, it’s up to you to take steps daily to keep them as clean as possible. Doing so can help prevent problems like irritation, infections, and gum disease.
The good news is denture care isn’t complicated. And once you get the hang of things, cleaning your dentures will become a part of your routine. Then, when you see your dentist for a checkup, they’ll be impressed with the awesome job you did keeping your mouth healthy and your dentures in good shape!
How to care for dentures: a basic guide
If you have partial dentures, you’ll need to take care of your dentures and natural teeth. So, after removing your dentures before heading to bed, you can brush and floss your natural teeth. Then, you can work on cleaning your dentures. Simple enough!
What if you have full dentures? Well, the steps are the same, but you obviously won’t need to brush and floss your teeth. Before heading to bed each night, be sure to remove the dentures and clean them thoroughly.
How to clean partial dentures and full dentures
Knowing how to clean dentures properly is ultra-important, and your dentist can help you figure it all out, even if you have no clue where to begin.
To get a general idea of what to expect when it comes to keeping dentures clean, check out the brief guide below on how to care for partial dentures and full dentures.
1.) After removing your dentures, rinse them with cool water. You could fill a sink with water or place a folded towel in the sink, as doing so may help prevent damage to your dentures if you accidentally drop them.
2.) With a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for dentures, brush them gently to remove plaque and food particles that stuck to them.
3.) Soak your dentures in a solution that’s designed to clean them, following the directions closely. Talk to your dentist about which cleaner is ideal for the type of dentures you wear. Alternatively, you might just need to soak them in water. Leave the dentures in the solution overnight to cleanse them and keep them moist until you put them back in your mouth the next morning.
4.) If you wear partial dentures, brush your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate, and floss to clean between the teeth. On the other hand, if you wear full dentures, gently brush your gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate. Taking the time to do this twice a day—in the morning and before bed—can help keep your whole mouth fresh and healthy.
5.) To freshen your mouth even more and take an additional step to remove bacteria, you can rinse with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash. Your dentist can help you select the right mouthwash for your needs if you aren’t sure which one is best.
6.) Every morning, brush your gums, tongue, palate, and teeth again. Then, rinse the dentures carefully and completely after removing them from the cleaning solution so you can safely place them in your mouth for the day ahead.
Tip #1: In addition to giving your dentures a thorough cleaning each night, it’s a good idea to rinse them with water after you eat.
Tip #2: If you use denture adhesive, take care to remove it completely from your dentures and gums each night.
Don’t neglect proper gum care after dentures
People with dentures shouldn’t only focus on keeping the dentures themselves clean. You also need to take care of any remaining natural teeth and, of course, your gums. After all, without healthy gums, you can’t have a healthy mouth!
You can clean the gums with a soft toothbrush or some gauze. Let them breathe while your dentures are soaking overnight. This helps reduce the risk of problems like irritated, red, or sore gums.
What to avoid after getting dentures
We can’t stress this enough: your dentist can give you personalized guidance when you get dentures. Generally, however, there are some things you should avoid.
Be careful about the products you use to clean dentures. Products that are too abrasive are a big no-no because they may cause damage. Using toothpaste, whitening products, or household cleaners isn’t a good idea. Even using water that’s too hot might cause warping. So, stick with cleaning solutions recommended by your dentist and designed for the dentures you wear.
Also, even though you might be tempted to leave your dentures in your mouth overnight, it isn’t wise. Taking them out of your mouth gives your gums a chance to rest after being covered all day.
You still need to see the dentist, even with dentures
You might think that, because you have dentures, you no longer need to worry so much about seeing a dentist regularly. But the opposite is true.
Whether you have partial or full dentures, it’s still necessary to see your dentist so they can examine your mouth and look for signs of disease. Plus, your dentist can professionally clean the dentures and check them to be sure they’re still in good condition. If your dentures are no longer fitting comfortably or you need to replace them because they’re old or broken, your dentist will provide the appropriate solution.
With the right dental insurance, you won’t need to worry about expensive appointments to keep your dentures and mouth clean and healthy. Spirit Dental offers plans that can help cover the cost of checkups, cleanings, and dentures so you won’t have to break the bank to restore your smile.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375
https://familydentistottawa.com/important-dos-donts-denture-care/
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/oral-health/caring-for-your-mouth-and-gums-with-dentures
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/common-denture-problems