Dentures can help restore your smile, boost your confidence, and make everyday tasks like eating and speaking more comfortable. Just like natural teeth, dentures must be cared for and maintained to prevent stains, chips, bad breath, and other oral health issues.
Without proper care, dentures can become damaged and uncomfortable, and may cause infections and other oral health problems. Fortunately, you can keep your dentures clean and in great shape with a few simple habits. That way, your dentures will last for the long haul, and you can keep smiling.
Why Denture Maintenance Is Important
Dentures may act like natural teeth. However, these oral appliances are typically made from acrylic resin or porcelain and set in a metal or plastic framework. So why does this oral appliance need to be cleaned and maintained like natural teeth if made from artificial materials?
Proper denture care and cleaning are about more than keeping them fresh. They’re a key part of maintaining overall oral health and comfort. Whether you wear full or partial dentures, proper maintenance helps ensure they fit well, function properly, and last as long as possible. Dentures, like natural teeth, can collect bacteria and plaque without regular cleaning. Buildup and food particles can cause bad breath, inflamed and irritated gum tissue, mouth irritation, and infections.
Denture maintenance is also essential because it helps dentures maintain comfort and fit. Dentures can warp or become misshapen without daily care, leading to discomfort and slipping, which can result in chewing issues. Poor fit can also cause speech problems. Poorly maintained dentures can accumulate food debris or rough patches. These issues can cause additional fit issues or painful sores on the gums and sensitive oral tissues.
Dentures can also be an expensive investment. Routine care and maintenance help extend this oral appliance’s life so individuals can avoid costly repairs and replacements.
Most importantly, a good denture care routine supports a person’s overall oral hygiene and general health. Without proper care and cleaning, dentures can cause denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis is a fungal infection that leads to swelling and discoloration of soft tissues in the mouth. Overall, poor dental hygiene has also been linked to conditions like heart disease and dementia.
Daily Denture Cleaning Routine
Daily denture care and cleaning don’t have to be a long and drawn-out process. Simple steps allow you to keep your dentures clean, fresh, and comfortable. A good maintenance routine should include:
- Rinsing dentures with water after meals to avoid the accumulation of food particles
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner to brush the dentures at least twice daily
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush natural teeth at least twice daily
- Soak dentures overnight in water or a specialized denture solution
To clean dentures, always use products and soaking solutions specifically designed for them. This will help extend the life of the dentures and prevent scratches, chips, and damage. With regular maintenance, dentures can last anywhere from five to ten years.
Do’s and Don’ts of Denture Care
You can also extend the life of your dentures and keep them comfortable and sparkling by following a few dos and don’ts of denture care.
- Do use a soft-bristled brush to prevent scratching and damage
- Do use products specifically designed to clean dentures
- Do brush and soak dentures daily
- Do use adhesive products designed only for denture use
- Do keep regular dental check-ups and cleaning appointments
- Do remove dentures before sleeping
- Do handle dentures gently
- Do store dentures safely in a covered container
- Don’t use harsh abrasives or cleaning materials on dentures
- Don’t use whitening toothpaste on dentures
- Don’t use products that contain bleach to clean dentures
- Don’t soak dentures in boiling water
- Don’t adjust dentures yourself if they feel loose or uncomfortable
If you have questions, ask your dental provider. Some dentures have special linings or metal clasps that can be difficult to clean. Your dentist can offer cleaning tips and recommend products to help you care for and keep your dentures clean.
Explore Your Denture Options Today
Dentures can help restore your smile and make eating, drinking, speaking, and laughing more comfortable. At Babylon Dental Care, our dental care team can help you explore your denture options and find natural-looking and feeling solutions to tooth loss. We also take the time to help you understand how to care for and maintain your dentures so they can provide you with years of smiles.
Contact our office online or call us at (631) 983-6665 to schedule an appointment.