How to Care for Your Dentures

wind-up toy teeth on white table

When you receive a new set of dentures, it’s important to take care of them so they last for years. Here are some ways to take care of your dentures, ensuring they are comfortable, clean, and long-lasting.

Postprandial Cleaning

After enjoying a good meal or snack, run clean water over your dentures to remove any food particles or sugars to prevent bacterial growth. Dentures are easily broken, so be careful to not drop them when they’re slippery. You could place a towel in the basin of the sink so if they drop, they won’t crack or be damaged.

Be Careful & Handle Dentures Gently

As we mentioned, dentures are delicate and can be bent or deformed by hot water, hot temperatures, or even simply being dropped. When you’re rinsing your dentures, use cold or lukewarm water. You may be surprised at how fragile your dentures are if you drop them, and they may be irreparable. Who wants to go without their dentures until they can get to the dentist to have them fixed? If you do damage your dentures, call us right away. Wearing poorly fitting dentures can not only be uncomfortable, but it can be bad for your oral health.

Always Brush Your Dentures Daily

Brush your dentures regularly just as you would your natural teeth. Be sure to use a non-abrasive denture cleaner; not any regular old toothpaste will do. An abrasive toothpaste can put micro scratches in your dentures that create breeding grounds for bacteria.

Don’t Forget: Always Soak Your Dentures Overnight

Dentures need to stay moist, otherwise they may shrink and lose their shape. This affects the way they fit in your mouth. It can also cause uncomfortable rubbing, sores, or other oral health problems. Wearing dentures that don’t fit well over a long period of time can lead to serious oral health issues. Talk to Dr. Chittajallu about the best way to soak your dentures overnight.

Go Over Denture Care at Your Next Appointment

Dr. Chittajallu will take the time to go over everything you need to know about taking care of your dentures, old or new. If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to call our friendly staff. We’re always here to help you, so give us a call today!


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