How to Care for Your Dentures

By: Hillside Dental
Posted on: April 24, 2023

If you have missing teeth, your dentist may recommend complete or partial dentures to improve the appearance of your smile. Artificial teeth are made from various materials such as acrylic. They look and feel like natural teeth, but just like natural teeth, plaque and food can stick to dentures. Thus, they require diligent care to keep them clean and in good working condition.

Rinsing After Eating

Remove and rinse your dentures after meals. Removing food particles and debris is essential to keep them from sticking to the surface. Place a towel on the sink to keep the dentures from breaking if you accidentally drop them. Handle them carefully when cleaning to avoid damaging or bending the plastic. Rinse your mouth before you put the dentures back in.

Cleaning the Dentures

Make sure you brush your dentures daily, just as you do your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and cleanser to remove plaque, food debris, and other deposits. Choose a nonabrasive cleanser formulated specifically for dentures.

If you use adhesive, clean the grooves carefully to remove any residue. You can use mild soap to clean your dentures but do not use toothpaste. Most toothpaste contains ingredients that are too abrasive for dentures.

Cleaning Your Mouth

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your natural teeth and mouth after removing the dentures. You can use gauze or a soft brush to clean the gums, cheeks, tongue, and palate (roof of the mouth).

Remove all traces of denture adhesive from the gums, but never use denture cleanser in your mouth. Denture solutions may contain harmful chemicals that can cause burns, pain, and other symptoms if swallowed.

Soak Dentures Overnight

You may need to soak your dentures overnight to keep them moist. Store them in a denture-soaking solution or water overnight. Consult your dentist to find out the proper storage for your dentures.

Ensure you follow instructions on how to use your cleaning and soaking solution. Instructions may differ depending on the product you use. Remember to rinse the dentures carefully before putting them back after soaking.

Avoid Abrasive Materials

Do not use abrasive materials to clean your dentures. Stiff-bristled brushes and harsh cleansers can damage dentures. Avoid whitening toothpaste and bleaching products that can change the color of your dentures. Soaking the dentures in bleaching solutions can weaken the material. You should also avoid using hot water to clean your dentures. The heat could cause the dentures to lose their shape.

Regular Dental Checkups

Schedule regular checkups for denture cleaning and examination. The dentist will ensure the dentures fit properly to prevent discomfort or slippage. The dentist will also examine the mouth to ensure it is healthy. If your dentures feel loose, visit the dentist as soon as possible. Loose dentures can lead to sores, irritation, and infection.

Failing to clean and care for your dentures can cause plaque buildup, increasing your risk of bad breath and gum disease. Avoid using cleaning products that can create scratches or small cracks on the denture surface. Do not allow your dentures to dry out, as it could cause them to lose shape and become brittle. With proper care, your dentures can last seven to 10 years.

For more information on how to care for your dentures, contact Hillside Dental at our Las Vegas, Nevada office. To schedule an appointment, call (702) 666-8584 if you are a new patient and (702) 895-7799 if you are an existing patient.

How to Care for Your Dentures