Your dentures are directly tied to your oral health. After all, they’re a prosthetic that sits right on top of your gums. Protecting them will not only help them last longer, but also reduce your risk for oral infections and dental emergencies.
This means that to stay happy and healthy, you’ll have to maintain your dentures! Keep reading to learn some best (and worst) practices.
Proper Denture Cleaning Techniques
It might not seem like it, but harmful bacteria collect in your mouth faster than your natural defenses can keep up with, which is what causes gum disease and many other dental conditions. Simply cleaning your mouth on a daily basis significantly reduces bacteria buildup, and that goes for restorations like dentures, too! Here’s what you should do:
- Remove and rinse your dentures after eating and drinking
- Soak them overnight
- Brush twice daily – this includes the underside of your dentures
- Floss between your false (and natural!) teeth once per day
- Take extra care to remove denture adhesive residue
- Brush your tongue
- Visit your dentist biannually for a checkup and cleaning
Thanks to these simple habits, your dentures and overall oral health will be much better off.
Denture Wear Times and Break Times
When you first get your dentures, your dentist might instruct you to wear them 24/7. However, constant wear is meant to be temporary. After your gums heal and adjust to your restoration, they need regular breaks. Otherwise, the pressure restricts circulation, encourages bacteria and yeast growth, and quite frankly makes your breath smell foul. Soaking your dentures in their cleaning solution at night gives your gums plenty of time to rest and breathe.
Research Denture Products Before Use
Not all denture-related products are created equal. That goes for both cleaning solutions and adhesives! Some toothpastes, especially teeth whitening toothpastes, contain harsh, abrasive chemicals that will prematurely wear down your restoration. Peroxides, baking soda, and charcoal are a few common “problem ingredients” to watch out for.
For denture adhesives, it’s important to follow the product instructions. Improper usage could very well damage your restoration. However, please use denture adhesives if you need anti-slippage support! Do-it-yourself “solutions” like superglue often have catastrophic results.
Why DIY Denture-Repair Is NOT Effective
Firstly, you’re not a denture-repair technician. Even if you’ve had your restoration for years, that doesn’t mean you know how to effectively fix them when accidents happen.
Secondly, you also don’t have the right tools. Indelicate instruments could cause further harm to your dentures or hurt your gums when you insert them after your impromptu repair. Amateur materials like superglue often contain chemicals you really don’t want sitting in your mouth. Save yourself the trouble and complications and simply call your dentist if your restoration breaks.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to protect your dentures and oral health on a regular basis. However, that doesn’t mean you’re alone in your efforts. Whenever you’re in doubt about what to do or how best to take care of your restoration, contact your dentist. They’ll help you out with prompt and professional advice!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Baioni earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He pursued dentistry because he appreciated the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives, whether it be through restoring their oral health or providing them with quality dental replacements like dentures. Today, his passion for his patients is still going strong! If you have concerns about your dentures or other dental matters, contact Dr. Baioni’s office at 479-370-2239.