What should I avoid if I have dentures?
If you want to keep your dentures in good condition for a long time, it's a good idea to stay away from the following:
- Abrasive cleaning materials - Avoid hard-bristled brushes, strong cleansers, and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and may end up damaging your dentures.
- Whitening toothpaste - Toothpaste advertised as whitening pastes often contains peroxide, which doesn't effectively change the colour of dentures.
- Bleach-containing products - Don't use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their colour. Don't soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and even corrode metal.
- Hot water - Avoid hot or boiling water because it could warp your dentures.
How To Care For Your Dentures
Even though dentures are not natural teeth, it doesn’t mean they don’t require the same amount of care. Proper denture care is crucial to maintaining the life of the appliance and sustaining oral health.
Oftentimes, if dentures aren’t cared for properly, plaque builds up and can create some serious oral health concerns. When left alone, the plaque can cause additional tooth loss, bad breath, and even gum disease.
Remove and rinse dentures after eating
Make sure to run water over your dentures to remove any leftover food particles. You may want to put a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so the dentures won't break if happen to fall.
Handle your dentures carefully
Be sure you don't bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
Clean your mouth after removing your dentures
Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth. If used, remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums.
Brush your dentures at least daily
Remove and gently clean your dentures daily. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque, and other debris. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Make sure you never use denture cleaner in your mouth.
Soak dentures overnight
Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on all cleaning and soaking solutions.
Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth
These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain, or burns if swallowed.
Schedule regular dental checkups
Your dentist will recommend how often to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Your dentist can help ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort, and also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it's healthy.
See your dentist if you have a loose fit
See your dentist promptly if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures may cause irritation, sores, and infection.