Proper care is key to extending the life and comfort of your dentures. Without daily maintenance, these artificial teeth can accumulate bacteria, cause irritation, and affect your overall oral health. From cleaning techniques to storage tips, understanding how to care for your dentures promotes a secure fit, fresh breath, and long-lasting function. Here’s how to keep your artificial teeth clean and comfortable:
Daily Cleaning Habits
Daily cleaning forms the foundation of denture care. Remove your artificial teeth after each meal and rinse them under cool running water. This simple step removes food particles and prevents stains from setting into the denture material.
Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for them. Use denture cleanser instead of regular toothpaste, which contains abrasives that can scratch the denture surface. These scratches create spaces where bacteria multiply and cause odors. Gently brush all surfaces of your removable teeth, including the areas that touch your gums.
Soaking and Storing Properly
Overnight soaking helps keep your dentures clean and maintain their shape. Place your artificial teeth in a denture-soaking solution or plain water when you remove them at night. This prevents the denture material from drying out and warping.
Never use hot water to clean or store your artificial teeth. Heat warps the denture material, altering the fit in your mouth. Cool or lukewarm water works best for rinsing and soaking. Avoid using household cleaners, bleach products, or abrasive cleaners that damage denture materials. Store your dentures in their soaking solution in a safe place where they won’t fall or get damaged. People often keep them in a denture cup on their nightstand or bathroom counter.
Protecting Your Mouth and Gums
Your mouth needs care even when you wear dentures. Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush each morning before putting in your dentures. This removes bacteria and stimulates blood flow in your gums.
Remove your dentures for several hours each day to give your gums time to rest. Many people take them out at night, but you may choose a different time that works better for your schedule. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water if your gums feel sore or irritated. Mix salt in a cup of warm water and swish gently around your mouth. This reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
When To Call Your Dentist
Schedule regular checkups with your dentist even when your artificial teeth feel comfortable. Your dentist examines the fit of your dentures and makes adjustments as needed. Contact your dentist right away if your dentures become loose, painful, or difficult to wear.
Loose dentures can move around in your mouth, causing sore spots on your gums. Your dentist has tools and techniques to improve the fit and make your removable teeth comfortable again. Watch for signs that your dentures need professional attention. These include clicking sounds when you eat or speak, difficulty chewing certain foods, or changes in your speech.
Schedule a Dentures Consultation Today
Proper care keeps your dentures clean, comfortable, and functional for a long time. Daily cleaning with appropriate products, overnight soaking, and gentle handling protect your investment in your oral health. Regular dental visits make sure your dentures continue to fit properly as your mouth changes over time. Contact a trusted dental center today to schedule your dentures consultation or maintenance appointment.
