Wearing dentures doesn’t mean you can skip proper oral hygiene, especially if you have full dentures. Taking proper care of dentures and gums ensures great dental health for the rest of your life. Here are some denture care tips:
Cleaning Time
- When it’s time to take your dentures out to be cleaned, stand over a folded towel or a bowl of water so your dentures won’t break if you accidentally drop them.
- Brush and rinse your dentures gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush or brushes specifically designed for denture cleaning. Your dentures may not be “real” teeth, but they are prone to stains and plaque buildup just like natural teeth.
- Use a denture cleanser, hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid. Avoid brushing with toothpaste, bleach and household cleaners that may be too harsh on the denture surface.
- Submerge your dentures in lukewarm (not hot!) water, denture-cleaning liquid or soaking solution overnight as you sleep. It is important to keep the dentures moist when you’re not wearing them so they don’t dry out or lose shape.
- Between cleaning sessions, remove loose food particles by rinsing your dentures under running water.
- Use a different toothbrush with soft bristles for cleaning your gums, tongue and palate. Clean your mouth after removing your dentures at the end of the day and before putting them back on in the morning.
- Don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months!
Ill-Fitting Dentures?
Before wearing your dentures, examine your gums for any signs of soreness, swelling or redness. Let the swelling subside before putting your dentures back on; if the redness persists, consult your dentist. Be on the lookout for white patches on your inner cheeks as well—this could mean that your dentures don’t fit as they should and may have to be adjusted.
You may also consider replacing your dentures with dental implants. Implants are the permanent and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. If you would like to learn more about implants, give us a call at (812) 945-7645.