The Proper Way to Look After Removable Dentures

If you've recently had removable dentures put in, it is imperative that you take extra special care to keep them in good condition. While maintaining dentures isn't very difficult, it does require a little planning and foresight, but it is well worth the effort.

Properly maintaining dentures not only increases cleanliness and comfort, but there is a safety factor as well – the last thing you want is a colony of malicious bacteria making itself at home on your dentures:

Always Rinse after Eating

Whenever you consume any sort of food, be sure to remove your dentures, and rinse them under some cold water, making sure to remove all food particles.

Clean your Mouth When Dentures are removed

Any time you remove your dentures, thoroughly clean your mouth. If you have any natural teeth remaining, clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush (but don't use toothpaste!). Additionally, clean your tongue and the entire inner surface of your mouth, either with a toothbrush or a soft gauze mouth cleaner.

Avoid Toothpaste

Dentures should be brushed daily, just like regular teeth. However, be sure to use a very soft-bristled toothbrush, and apply very little pressure. Most importantly, do not use regular toothpaste.

Regular toothpaste is not suitable for dentures; it is too abrasive, causing tiny scratches that are a perfect breeding ground for germs and plaque.

Instead, use a special denture cleanser; these can come in many forms, including pastes and gels. Denture cleansers are specially formulated to be safe for use on dentures, while still killing germs and removing any unwanted particles.

Avoid Hot Water

Hot (boiling) water can warp dentures, so it is best to avoid very hot soups and beverages. Unfortunately, this may mean foregoing hot coffee and tea – a small price to pay for avoiding the discomfort of warped dentures!

Soak Overnight

Dentures need to be kept moist at all times, otherwise they may lose their shape. When sleeping, soak your dentures in either cold water, or a mild-strength denture cleaning solution (these usually come in the form of effervescent tablets that you drop into water).

Schedule Regular Check-ups

You will need a check-up very soon after the dentures are initially installed, to make sure that they are comfortable and working as expected.

Beyond that first check-up, however, it is very important to regularly (once very few months) visit your dentist, particularly if there is any sort of discomfort or odour. This will ensure that your dentures are well-maintained, and will help maximise their life expectancy. To learn more, contact a company like Alan Hunt with any questions you have.


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