Modern dentures are lifelike, comfortable, and high-quality dental restorations, but they are not invincible. Years of use can wear them down, and the changing shape of the mouth can make them lose their fit. However, they can last a patient for up to ten years with excellent care and maintenance. Here are a few tips for keeping your dentures working well and looking great for the long haul while protecting your oral health.
How Should I Clean My Dentures?
Even though the artificial teeth in a denture are immune to tooth decay, plaque and food debris can get stuck to them just as easily as they can to natural teeth. If you do not clean your dentures regularly, this plaque will accumulate, eventually leading to gum disease and bad breath.
You should brush your dentures at least once daily but twice is better. To clean your appliance, you will need water, a soft toothbrush, a soft towel, and mild soap or denture cleaning solution. Skip using toothpaste as it can be too harsh for artificial teeth. A proper denture cleaning routine includes:
- Fill the sink with warm water and drape a soft-folded towel across your countertop. This will provide a cushion in case you drop your dentures.
- Remove your dentures and rinse them with warm water.
- Gently brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleanser to remove plaque, food debris, adhesive, and bacteria. After you finish brushing, rinse your appliance with warm water.
- If you’re cleaning your dentures before bed, set your dentures in a glass full of lukewarm water or denture-soaking solution to soak overnight.
Why Should I Soak My Dentures?
Your mouth and your dentures need at least eight hours apart every day. This gives your mouth time to rest and clean itself, but it’s crucial that the dentures be prevented from drying out. Neglecting to remove your dentures before bed can allow bacteria to breed on and under them, leading to oral infections and bad breath. If dentures are left outside of a moist environment, they can lose their shape, become brittle, and break. For these reasons, dentures must be soaked for eight hours every day. Most patients do this before bed.
Your dentures should be a long-term investment. By taking proper care of them, you can ensure that they will work well and look great for as long as possible.
About the Practice
Beverly Farms Dental has served the community of Beverly, MA for more than thirty years. Led by Drs. Robert Blake, Katherine Staniek, Maisie Tolzmann, and Maria Vargas, the staff delivers the most excellent dental care available in a warm and compassionate environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. For more information on caring for your dentures, contact the office online or dial (978) 927-3515.