Denture Care and Maintenance Tips

To avoid denture damage, you must take proper care of them. Good denture care means a lot to your oral health and general well-being. It can keep your mouth and dentures stain- and bacteria-free, leaving you calm and self-assured.


If you have just received a new full or partial set of dentures, you want to ensure they last a long time. Dentures can last seven to 15 years, depending on how well you care for them. Here are care and maintenance tips that can help you get the most out of your dentures and keep them for a decent amount of time.


 

Rinse Your Mouth and Dentures After Every Meal



Run water over your mouth and dentures to wash away food particles that linger after eating. Ensure you place them on a cloth or folded towel close to the sink to minimize damage in case they drop. Rinsing your mouth and dentures is particularly important after drinking wine, coffee, or tea, eating curries, or smoking.


 

Brush Your Dentures at Least Once a Day



Before putting your dentures away, clean them gently using a soft denture brush and denture toothpaste. With slightly warm (note: not hot) water, rinse your dentures carefully to remove loose food debris.


Hot water, regular toothbrushes, and toothpaste can be quite abrasive and leave tiny cuts on your dentures. That can eventually cause severe damage to your dentures.


 

Store Them in a Denture Solution Overnight



Soak your dentures in a case filled with denture solution or warm water when not wearing them. Leaving your dentures to dry out can alter their shape and function. Soaking them helps clean and keep them fresh. When you remove dentures, brush and rinse them before putting them on.


 

Handle Them Carefully



Dentures need careful attention when handling. As a rule, you should remove your dentures before you sleep and leave them soaked. Giving your dentures and mouth a break, allows the oral tissues to rest and recover.


Falling asleep with dentures in your mouth can block your saliva's path and affect its flow, causing thrush or dental stomatitis. Additionally, dentures are fragile and can break if they fall. Always fill your sink with water or hold the dentures over a soft towel when cleaning or handling your dentures. 


 

Keep Your Mouth Clean



Your remaining natural teeth and gums need daily cleaning to keep them healthy. A healthy mouth is crucial for your general health and ensures your dentures sit tight. Even though you may not have teeth on your gums, you still need to brush your mouth. It will help keep plaque and bacteria out of your gums, mouth roof, and tongue.


 

See Your Dentist Regularly



Consult your dentist about how often you should go for dental checkups and professional cleaning. Your dentist can also adjust your denture fit if it feels loose. Regular dental checkups can help support your oral health and make your dentures last long.



For more on denture care and maintenance tips, visit the Elite Dentistry & Implant Center at our office in Chelsea, Alabama. Call 205-224-0040 to book an appointment today.