Whether you need to just replace several teeth or an entire arch, dentures are a wonderful option for restoring your pearly whites. They can return the confidence that comes with a complete and natural-looking smile, as well as your bite power. You can also count on your prosthetic to last up to 10 years or more. But just like regular teeth, they are affected by wear and tear. The good news is that you can add to their lifespan with some attentive care. Here are five helpful tips on how to keep your dentures in their best shape for as long as possible.
#1: Brush Your Dentures Daily
Your dentures should be treated just like your natural teeth when it comes to cleaning them. They need to be brushed every day to ensure that they’re free of bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture-specific toothpaste to thoroughly scrub any remaining debris off your prosthetic. Avoid using any harsh tools or products, like a hard-bristled toothbrush or whitening toothpaste, as they can cause damage to your prosthetic.
#2: Clean the Rest of Your Mouth
Oftentimes, personal dental care is just thought of as caring for your teeth, whether natural or artificial. But oral health encompasses your entire mouth since bacteria and plaque can gradually accumulate throughout it. With this in mind, be sure to brush any remaining teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks at least twice a day to maintain good oral health.
#3: Handle Your Dentures with Care
Handling your dentures carefully will minimize the risk of cracks or breaks. To prevent any damage, wash them over a sink filled with water or a soft, clean, folded towel so something will break their fall in case you drop them. Additionally, put your dentures in a special case when you are not using them to keep them safe from harm.
#4: Rinse Your Denture After Every Meal
Food particles and debris can gather and settle on your dentures for extended periods after eating. Instead of letting them sit on your prosthetic, it’s best to rinse your dentures off once you are done eating. This will decrease the growth of bacteria and plaque, as mentioned above.
#5: Soak Your Dentures Overnight
In order for dentures to maintain their shape, they need to stay moist. Before going to bed, soak them in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution. Be sure to use room-temperature water; using hot water can warp the material and cause them to lose their fit. In the morning, rinse them before placing them back in your mouth.
By following these helpful tips and visiting your dentist regularly, your dentures should last for years to come. Now that is something to “completely” smile about!
About the Author
Dr. James Kostas and his team at Complete Dental Care keep the smiles of Burlington whole and healthy! He earned his dental degree from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed his General Practice Residency at the Harvard University Dental School. He provides a full range of services, including restorative care with dentures. By using state-of-the-art technology and materials, he can help you achieve your oral health and smile goals. To schedule a consultation, contact him through his website or call (781) 272-0441.
