HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DENTURES

Individuals who are missing most or all of their teeth can benefit from full or partial dentures at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney in Charlotte, NC. Dentures can be a long-lasting restoration for a patient’s smile when cared for properly. This type of prosthesis should be brushed daily, soaked overnight in room temperature cleansing solution, and should not be scrubbed with abrasive cleaning materials. Here, Drs. John M. Pinnix IV and George A. Betancourt explain why caring for dentures properly is essential for the long-term maintenance of your appliance.

Tips for Cleaning & Maintenance

Dentures are strong, resilient, and made to last. However, they require proper maintenance and care for long-term success. Our doctors have a few recommendations to help keep your appliance looking and feeling great:

• Rinse after eating: After every meal, remove your dentures and rinse them thoroughly to eliminate food particles and debris. This will help keep your mouth free from harmful bacteria.
• Handle with care: When you remove your dentures, we recommend placing a towel on the countertop or in the sink. This will protect your appliance should you accidentally drop it. Clean your dentures gently to avoid bending any metal or plastic clasps.
• Clean your mouth: Caring for your gums and any remaining teeth is just as important as keeping your appliance clean. When you remove your denture, clean your gums, inside of your cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush or piece of gauze. Be sure to clean any residual denture adhesive off of the appliance so it does not irritate your delicate soft tissues. 
• Brush your appliance daily: Your dentures should be thoroughly brushed at least once a day. To do so, use a nonabrasive denture cleanser and a soft brush to sweep away plaque, food deposits, and other debris. If you use adhesive, be sure to remove any residue from your prosthesis. 

Dentures should be soaked overnight to avoid warping.

• Soak your dentures overnight: There are several denture-soaking solutions on the market. These can keep your dentures looking and feeling fresh. If you prefer not to use a soaking solution, you should place your dentures in a glass of water. Keeping your appliance moist is essential for keeping its shape and avoiding warping.
• Rinse before wearing: In the morning, be sure to thoroughly rinse your appliance after removing it from the denture-soaking solution. 
• Attend routine checkups: Regular dental examinations are absolutely crucial for denture-wearers. During these visits, Dr. Pinnix or Dr. Betancourt can assess your appliance to ensure it is still working properly and fitting well. It is normal to require occasional relines and adjustments. As the underlying bone changes shape over time, your denture may become loose or wobbly. Should this occur, simply schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Regular dental examinations are absolutely crucial for denture-wearers. During these visits, your doctor can assess your appliance to ensure it is still working properly and fitting well.

Products & Activities to Avoid

When it comes to caring for your dentures, there are a few things to avoid as well. These include:

• Whitening toothpaste: These products are too abrasive to be used on dentures and can cause tiny scratches in the surface of your appliance. Additionally, there is nothing in whitening toothpastes that can brighten the color of prosthetic teeth.
• Products with bleach: Using bleach on your dentures can weaken the structure of your appliance and corrode any metal clasps. In addition, these products can discolor your appliance. 
• Abrasive cleansers: You should always avoid using hard-bristled brushes and harsh cleaning materials, as these can damage your appliance.
• Hot water: Extreme temperatures can distort your dentures. Therefore, you should avoid placing them in hot water, and be sure to store them properly when not in use.

Learn More at Our Office

If you would like to learn more about caring for your dentures, reach out to a team member at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney. Contact us online or call our office at (704) 543-1102.