Just got a new set of dentures and wondering how best to take care of them? Not to worry as this article is aimed at showing you how to keep dentures stain-free and in tip-top condition.
Whether you’ve got removable partial or full dentures, you can adopt these steps to better care for them:
After eating, take out and rinse dentures
Food particles or debris from your dentures should be rinsed with water. You can stand over a sink full of water or a folded towel to protect your dentures in case they fall.
Take care of your dentures
The plastic or the clasps of the denture should not be damaged or bent as you clean them. You can have denture repairs for worn-out dentures.
After removing your dentures, clean your mouth
Brush your natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use the same brush or gauze to clean your tongue, cheeks and palate (roof of the mouth). Take out leftover denture adhesive if you used any.
Clean your dentures every day
Carefully clean your dentures each day. Soak them in a non-toxic denture cleanser to eliminate food particles, plaque, and other debris, and brush with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid the use of denture cleansers inside your mouth. In case you use denture adhesive, remove any excess residue.
Soak your dentures all night long
Keep your dentures moist and in shape by soaking them in water or a mild denture solution throughout the night. Consult your dentist or a denture clinic on how to store your dentures safely. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guide on cleaning and soaking solutions.
Have your dentures thoroughly rinsed before wearing them again, particularly if a denture solution is used
This is important to avoid pains, burns, or harm to your body as these solutions contain toxic chemicals
Go for routine dental checks
You’ll be told when to come for denture examination and cleaning by your dentist. The insides of your mouth will also be checked to see how healthy it is, and your dentist will fit your dentures snugly, so it stays in position.
Consult your dentist for ill-fitting dentures
Should your dentures lose their grip on your teeth, report this immediately to your dentist. Poorly seating dentures can result in infection, sores, and irritation
Things you should avoid
- Hot water – This causes warping of your dentures; making them lose shape
- Whitening toothpaste – These products contain an ingredient called peroxide which can alter the colour of your denture.
- Abrasive cleaning agents – Keep your dentures away from the impact of hard-bristled brush, harsh toothpaste, and strong cleansers as they’re abrasive enough to cause denture damage
- Products containing bleach – Avoid the use of bleaching products on your dentures as they can weaken and alter their colour. Take care not to soak dentures having a metal attachment in chlorine solutions as it will cause corrosion of the metal.
For more tips on denture care, see our Corrimal dentist.