What are some denture care tips you need to know?

1. Be careful with the food you eat
2. Clean your dentures properly
3. Avoid harsh and abrasive cleaners
4. Don’t wear your dentures at night
5. Schedule A Dentist Appointment Twice a Year

Both complete and partial dentures can restore your natural smile. Compared to having missing teeth, it can help you enunciate your words more clearly, chew your food properly, and plump up the facial tissues that are normally supported by natural teeth. But if you had your dentures made just a while ago, you might be confused about how to take care of them properly. Keep on reading for some denture care tips to follow.

Be Careful with The Food You Eat

If you only recently had your dentures made, your doctor will advise you on the food you can eat. While you can enjoy most foods, it’s recommended to be careful when consuming anything too hot, as this can cause your dentures to warm and become misshapen.

For first-time denture wearers, you might find it hard to eat normally at first. For the first weeks, opt for liquids and soft foods before transitioning to solid ones.

How you eat is also important. It’s recommended to take small bites when eating and avoid tugging motions as you do so. Be careful when biting hard foods as this can damage your dentures.

Clean Your Dentures Properly

After eating, go to the nearest sink and run water over your dentures. This will remove food debris that can get stuck when you ate. After that, you can use a soft-bristled brush to clean your natural teeth if you’re wearing partial dentures. You can do the same to your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth.

Make sure that you brush your dentures at least once a day, but doing it in the morning and night is preferred. Handle your dentures with care when cleaning. You can place a soft towel on the bathroom counter, which can act as a cushion when the dentures slip off from your hands.

Choose a soft-bristled brush and a cleaning solution specially made for dentures. Brushing will remove the bacteria and food particles in your dentures. Rinse it again before wearing it.

Avoid Harsh and Abrasive Cleaners

When cleaning your dentures, you might be tempted to reach for your old toothpaste. Unfortunately, plenty of toothpaste brands are too harsh for your dentures. If you keep using them, you might notice scratches on your removable teeth. Instead, you can use your toothpaste when brushing your remaining teeth, gums, and tongue.

Other than that, make sure to avoid using stiff brushes too. Opt for a soft-bristled brush or purchase one that is specially made for cleaning dentures. Lastly, when soaking your dentures, make sure to avoid hot water as it can damage the material.

Don’t Wear Your Dentures at Night

You might be wondering if it’s okay to wear dentures at night. Some dentists recommend wearing them during the first night, as this can help act as a bandage if you just had your teeth extracted.

But after that, it’s recommended to take them off before sleeping. For one, this allows your gum tissues to take a break. Because the pressure on your mouth is removed, it can also prevent the acceleration of bone loss. This ensures a tighter fit for your dentures. Lastly, by removing your dentures at night, you’re preventing the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease.

After removing your dentures for the night, clean them thoroughly before soaking them in water or a denture-soaking solution. This will depend on the type of dentures you have, so ask your dentist for a recommendation. Prevent the dentures from drying out, as this can make them brittle. The next day, rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.

Schedule A Dentist Appointment Twice a Year

Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up or follow up. This way, your doctor can check the dentures and the health of your oral tissues as well. In some cases, you could also develop mouth sores or bad breath.

Your removable teeth might change shape over the years. Over time, there might also be natural changes in your mouth that require the refitting of your dentures. This is important because loose dentures can make it hard for you to eat and speak properly.

If you experience a loose fit, notice sounds when you eat, or find signs of damage in your dentures, don’t hesitate to call your dentist to schedule a visit.

Key Takeaway

Follow these denture care tips, so you can enjoy your restored smile for years to come! Remember to be gentle and consistent when using and cleaning your dentures, so they won’t develop scratches and bacteria. Clean them regularly and schedule a dental visit to have problems spotted in advance.

If you’re interested in getting dentures or want to have a new one refitted, you can contact us here at Elevate Dental! Our specialists and staff will guide you throughout the process, so you can achieve a more beautiful smile.