Dentures improve your smile by replacing lost teeth. These false teeth are made from materials like metal and acrylic and are designed to look like natural teeth. Even though you have denture teeth, cleaning them regularly is still important.
Cleaning your dentures is more involved than simply brushing. Several steps are required to keep your dentures in good condition. Read on for how to maintain and clean your dentures as part of good denture care.
How you care for your dentures differs slightly between traditional and fixed implant-supported dentures.
Clean your dentures daily with brushing and soaking.
Quality denture care prevents gingivitis and periodontal disease.
It’s essential to continue to have regular checkups with your dentist.
See your dentist if you have concerns about the status of your oral health or the quality or fit of your dentures.
There are three different types of dentures available to choose from. Both permanent and removable options replace all of your teeth or just a few.
Full dentures are a “complete” set of false teeth that replace all teeth in a person’s mouth. These dentures can typically be placed within 8-12 weeks after all of a patient’s teeth are removed.
Partial dentures replace some teeth for patients with some remaining natural teeth. Your dentist can recommend the best partial dentures if you have some remaining natural teeth. They are typically acrylic, but flexible dentures can be nylon or thermoplastics. [1]
Implant-supported dentures use a dental implant to replace missing teeth. The implant stays secure and gives solid support to the remaining natural teeth. Dental implants require surgery. Still, they can improve the patient’s oral health by protecting and preserving the jawbone and remaining teeth. [2]
There are three primary types of dentures: complete, partial, and implant-supported. Partial and complete dentures are removable, while implant-supported dentures remain in the mouth long-term. Choosing dentures vs. implants is a decision you should make in consultation with a dental professional.
Caring for your oral health is just as important if you have dentures as it is with your natural teeth.
Proper denture care maintains the life of your dentures and prevents gum disease. Plaque builds up on your false teeth; if left unchecked, it can cause bad breath, further tooth loss, and gum disease. The removal of dental plaque prevents gingivitis and periodontal disease. [3]
Denture care is vital to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing and soaking dentures for effective cleaning. [4] To do this, you will need the following:
Proper cleaning tools include a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive denture cleanser.
Effective cleaning requires you to brush and soak dentures.
Although you shouldn’t use toothpaste to clean dentures, you should use toothpaste on your gums and tongue twice per day when you remove your dentures. This will help clean your mouth and prevent bad breath. If you have partials, brush and floss your remaining natural teeth.
Caring for implant-supported dentures differs slightly depending on whether your dentures are fixed or removable. Here are some tips for cleaning implant-supported dentures:
Care for your removable partial or complete dentures by brushing them daily and soaking them in a non-abrasive cleanser overnight. For fixed implant-supported devices, a water-flosser can help with cleaning.
It makes sense to avoid using materials or tools that could cause damage to your dentures, but you might be surprised and what those things are.
Abrasive brushes and abrasive cleaning materials can scratch or damage your dentures.
Bleach-containing products can weaken dentures and change their color. Chlorine solutions can damage metal attachments, eroding and tarnishing the denture base.
Whitening toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide, which can damage your dentures.
Hot water can warp your dentures. Always use lukewarm or cool water overnight for soaking your appliance.
It’s not advisable to wear dentures overnight while you sleep.
Over time it can cause health issues due to the build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria will deteriorate your gums, eventually degrade the structure of your jaw bone, and increase the risk of pneumonia for elderly denture wearers. [5]
Avoid harmful chemicals, whitening toothpaste, and bleach-containing products for cleaning. Always remove your dentures overnight to prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth, and soak dentures in cool or warm water.
Dentures don’t last forever, but caring for them properly can help them last as long as possible.
The most important thing to remember when not using your dentures is to keep them submerged. If acrylic is left to dry out, it will lose shape, leading to brittle and ill-fitting dentures that break easily. Considering how much dentures cost, care and maintenance is the best way to avoid replacing them prematurely.
As tempting as it is to try and fix your dentures at home, it’s imperative to make an emergency appointment with your dental office when they break. Your dentist can check them thoroughly and make any necessary repairs.
If your dentures break in half, there’s not much you can do until you get help. You can fashion a temporary fix using a bonding agent specially designed to fix broken dentures. These kits include safe bonding material for short-term repairs.
You can avoid stains by soaking your dentures in a denture cleanser daily. If this is not enough, here is how to whiten dentures:
It would be best if you continued to visit your dentist every six months for regular care and maintenance. Regular dental appointments are essential to maintain your oral health. In addition, make an appointment if your dentures:
Also, consult a professional if you develop:
These are signs that you’re not experiencing proper denture fit due to loose dentures.
Always keep your dentures moist and don’t let them dry out. Only use proper denture adhesive to make temporary repairs on broken dentures until you see your dentist. It would be best if you continued to have regular oral checkups or anytime you have concerns about your dentures.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to further answer your questions about denture care.
Dentures improve your smile and build self-confidence after tooth loss. Cleaning dentures properly will extend your appliance’s life and maintain your oral health foundation. Soak and brush your dentures each night and maintain regular dental care. Your dentist can assist with any problems or concerns about your dentures.
