Caring for your dentures will ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most from your dentures.
Cleaning Products for Dentures
Before you dive in, make sure you have the right denture care products. You may not always want to use the products you'd use on your natural teeth!
First, you'll need toothpaste with no abrasive ingredients. These ingredients can wear down the surface of your dentures over time. In some cases, they may even require you to get a premature replacement.
Though you can choose a toothbrush with peroxide or other whitening ingredients, it won't change the color of your denture teeth. These ingredients only work with natural teeth.
You'll also need a soft-bristled toothbrush. Either manual or electric toothbrushes are fine, but be careful to use gentle movements with an electric toothbrush.
For nighttime cleaning, get a
denture cleaning solution. Over-the-counter solutions often come in tablet form, and they're great at removing bacteria.
Choose one with a non-abrasive formula, and see a dentist to ask about sensitivity if you experience discomfort.
Whatever you do, don't choose products or solutions with harsh chemicals, including bleach or chlorine.
Last, consider getting a nightguard if you're prone to
bruxism (teeth grinding). Regular grinding can wear down the chewing surfaces of your dentures. In the worst-case scenario, it can even cause these prosthetics to fracture, meaning you'll have to get an early replacement!
Caring for Partial and Complete Dentures
Compared to other
dental implants, removable dentures need a bit of extra TLC. Because they're easy to take in and out of your mouth, it's also easy for bacteria to sneak into gaps between your gums and dentures if you aren't careful!
If you have
complete or partial dentures, you should take the following steps when cleaning.
Rinsing Your Dentures
To remove your dentures, always place a soft towel over the counter. This can keep your dentures from breaking if you accidentally drop them. In a pinch, you can also fill the sink with water and lean over it as you take your dentures out.
Always handle your dentures with care, and avoid using too much pressure to hold them.
Rinse your dentures in warm (not hot) water. This helps remove small amounts of food debris.
You should rinse your dentures after every meal. It's especially important to do so right after getting your new prosthetic: as you
adjust to dentures, getting into the habit of regular cleaning is a must!
Cleaning Your Dentures
Twice a day, use your soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the surface of your dentures. This helps remove food particles and bacteria. When you're finished, rinse your dentures with warm water.
Before bed, remove any denture adhesive you've used that day. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
In addition, use your denture cleaning solution overnight to soak your dentures. This helps remove bacteria, and it's also great for preventing your dentures from drying out. Excess dryness can make dentures hard or brittle.
In the morning, don't place your dentures right into your mouth! Instead, rinse the solution off of them first. This can help minimize gum sensitivity.
Cleaning Your Mouth
You still need to brush and floss your remaining teeth twice a day. Don't skip the areas around your missing teeth! Brushing your gums can keep them healthy and remove bacteria.
We also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to further enhance your oral health.
Caring for Implant-Supported Dentures
Unlike the dentures above,
implant-supported dentures sit atop implants in the jaw. This makes them comfortable and secure, and they often don't require as many dietary restrictions. They're also impossible to remove on your own!
One of the most common types of implant-supported dentures is
All-on-4 dentures. When cleaning these dentures, you'll need to brush and floss twice a day as usual. Again, make sure you're using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Some patients find it easier to use a water flosser or
other interdental cleaners instead of traditional floss. These cleaners make it easier to get into hard-to-reach crevices.
See a Dental Professional
Last, but not least, have a restorative dentistry professional take a look at your dentures at least once every six months. This gives them a chance to monitor the fit and wear of your dentures. It's also a great opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions about proper care.
In some cases, you may want to schedule an early appointment. If you're dealing with discomfort past the first few days of wearing your dentures, always see a professional! Common signs of discomfort include mouth sores, redness, or bleeding gums.
You should also reach out early if your dentures slip or make noise when you talk or eat. This may be a sign that your teeth have shifted over time, causing your dentures to fit less snugly than they once did.
Start Caring for Your Dentures Today
Dentures are long-lasting prosthetics that often last a decade or more with regular cleaning. That's why caring for your dentures is so crucial: with daily TLC, you can make the most of your investment and enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come!
Whether you need help maintaining your dentures or you're looking for an expert to provide them, we hope you'll partner with the team at Dental Arts of Bedford. Our implant specialists have years of experience helping patients restore their smiles.
To learn more or to take advantage of our
same-day dentures, call us at (603) 647-2278.
