Dentures are artificial, removable teeth and gums that form in your mouth to replace any missing or removed natural teeth. They come in full or partial sets, meaning they will replace your entire mouth on either the bottom or top gum line or one to several missing teeth. There are many reasons why people lose their teeth — from being involved in an accident to poor oral health to old age. Regardless of why you have dentures, you want to ensure that you keep them in tip-top shape so they’ll last you years of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Your denturist will custom design the perfect dentures for your mouth and teeth so you’ll feel confident each time you show those pearly whites. Before getting your dentures, you may have felt uncomfortable or even ashamed of your missing teeth. But now you’re excited to show off the brand new you. Proper denture care is essential to their longevity. Let’s look at how you can keep your dentures looking their best with these maintenance tips.
Rinse Dentures After Eating
After eating, it’s a good idea to take out your dentures and gently run water over them to remove any food debris. Consider filling the sink with some water or placing a towel in the sink so the dentures won't break if you drop them.
Brush Your Teeth Once a Day
Keep the dentures sparkling clean by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush daily. You’ll also need a nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove plaque, food, and other deposits. Do you use a denture adhesive? If so, clean the tiny grooves that fit flush against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive.
Avoid putting the cleansers inside your mouth. They contain harmful chemicals that can cause vomiting, pain, and burning sensations if swallowed.
Soak Dentures in Solution or Water Overnight
Dentures need to stay moist to work well. Soak your set in warm water or gentle denture-soaking solution before you go to bed each night. If you're using a denture solution, be careful if your teeth have metal attachments — the solution could cause the metal to tarnish. Speak with your denturist to see what overnight soaking method they recommend.
Utilize the Power of Hydrogen Peroxide
Are you concerned about stains on your dentures? Hydrogen peroxide is a great whitening agent that's available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. It can clean your dentures and help get rid of any discolouration or staining. To do this, take out your dentures and apply the hydrogen peroxide directly to the surface. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the teeth, applying gentle force as hydrogen peroxide can be abrasive. You’ll notice immediate results.
Schedule Regular Appointments with Your Denturist
Once you get the hang of wearing dentures, you’ll still want to check in with your denturist every so often to ensure that everything is in good shape. Your denturist will inspect the teeth, answer any questions or concerns, and help you look and feel your best.
A new set of dentures means it’s a new exciting chapter in your life. Make the most of it and use these tips to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.