Taking Care of Your Dentures

Caption: The proper care of dentures will keep them functioning and make them last.
A close-up of a set of dentures in a woman’s hand. Caption: The proper care of dentures will keep them functioning and make them last.

Removable partial or full dentures require proper care to enjoy a great experience when wearing them. Keep them clean, free from stains, and comfortable to wear. If you want to make sure that your dentures last as long as possible, then here are some tips that will help you. We will also give you instructions and advice when you first receive your dentures, but we always invite questions, so please feel free to contact us at Dental Partners of Boston to get the best comfort and performance out of your dentures.

Rinse Your Dentures After Eating

When you have finished eating, you need to make sure that you run some water over your dentures to remove any food debris. Handling your dentures carefully is also important. You don’t want to bend or damage the plastic when handling them.

Clean Your Mouth

It’s also very important that you clean your mouth after you have removed your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on your natural teeth and then use a soft brush to clean your palate, gums, cheeks, and tongue. Any residual denture adhesive should be thoroughly removed.

Brush Your Dentures

Brush your dentures every day. Remove and gently clean them with a soft-bristled brush and some non-abrasive denture cleaner. This will remove any plaque, food, and other deposits. If you happen to use denture adhesive, then make sure that you clean the grooves that fit in your mouth.

Soaking Dentures

Soaking your dentures overnight is a crucial step in keeping them clean. Dentures are commonly made of acrylic materials, which are full of tiny pores that brushing can’t clean. Bacteria can survive in those pores, which might result in a foul odor, bad breath, or even lead to gum disease. Soaking your dentures in a commercial denture-soaking solution removes 99% of oral bacteria.

Schedule Regular Check-ups

It’s also very important for you to continue to schedule regular check-ups even when you wear dentures. You will need to have any remaining teeth professionally cleaned and examined, your mouth cleaned, and your dentures checked and cleaned. We will also ask about their fit. Over time, the structure of your mouth can change, altering the way your dentures fit. They may become uncomfortable to wear or begin to slip out of place, but they can be adjusted to fit comfortably once more. This will help you to stop slippage and it will also stop irritation.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Materials

It’s important that you avoid stiff bristles, harsh toothpaste, and even strong cleaners. All of these can damage your dentures.

Don’t Use Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste often contains some form of peroxide. This may slightly change the color of your dentures. You should also avoid any bleaching products as well, as this can also damage your teeth.

If you follow this guide and if you do everything you can to take care of your dentures you will soon find that you are able to protect your mouth while also making sure that your dentures last. If you need support with your dentures, please contact us. Our team is more than happy to advise you about dentures and the appropriate steps to take for your unique situation.

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