When it comes to caring for and maintaining your dentures, they should be treated like natural teeth. The cleaner they are, the better they will look and feel. Here is a list of things to do to help take care of your dentures:
- Rinse After Eating – Wash your dentures after every meal. This is to make sure that all food particles are washed away and not sitting on your teeth. Do not use soap! If there is food or any other substance that is not rinsing off, use a gentle toothbrush to try and get it off.
- Clean Your Mouth – Any time your dentures come out of your mouth, clean your mouth before you put them back in. This is to prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and causing bad breath or infections. You can use a gentle toothbrush or gauze to clean your tongue, inner cheeks and the roof of your mouth.
- Brush Daily – Your remaining teeth, if you have any, should be brushed according to the regular dental hygiene rules. Your dentures should be soaked and brushed every day as well. It’s up to you whether you’d like to brush at night or in the morning. It may be helpful to brush them before you sleep so that you can just put them right in, in the morning.
- Soak Overnight – When your dentures are not in your mouth, they need to constantly be in moisture. This helps keep their shape. If your dentures are drying out, they might not be able to maintain the proper shape and can end up falling out of your mouth.
- Rinse Dentures – Denture solutions that are used to soak your dentures in are NOT safe for consumption. Any time you use the solution, you should thoroughly rinse your dentures so that you’re not swallowing any harmful chemicals.
- Don’t Drop Them – Your dentures are breakable. Dropping, bending, or hitting any surface can cause your dentures to be misaligned or in need of repair. Always be mindful and treat your dentures with care.
- Get Regular Checkups – If the fit changes between your teeth and your dentures, you could end up with a sore mouth or even infection. Always see your dentist if you think your dentures are loose.
Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been practicing in the New Fairfield, CT area for over twenty-five years. If you have any questions call us 203-746-1200.