If you have dentures, it is important that you know how to take care of them properly. The better you take care of your dentures, the longer they will last.
Clean and Soak Nightly
You should clean your dentures at least once a day. Because the dentures are in your mouth all day, they will still collect plaque. Plaque is a sticky bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you are missing all your natural teeth, plaque will still build on every surface of your mouth. Therefore, you need to remove your dentures and brush them every day.
In addition, you need to soak your dentures each night. You should not sleep in your dentures. Your mouth needs a break from your dentures. Otherwise, you can develop sores, which can be painful. Additionally, the bones in your mouth will begin to deteriorate if you keep your dentures in too long.
Also, the bacteria on your dentures can cause health issues, such as infection or pneumonia. Dentists recommend soaking your dentures overnight in water or a soaking solution. This will allow them to keep their shape and stay clean.
Dentures can lose their shape or warp if you do not soak them in a liquid solution. When this happens, it is unlikely that your dentures will fit properly. This can cause pain, discomfort, or a trip to the dentist.
Continue Healthy Oral Hygiene
You should still continue a proper oral hygiene routine even if you have no remaining natural teeth. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush or gauze to brush your gums and tongue.
Don’t Use Abrasives
Dentures are typically made of a resin or plastic, so you can damage them if you use the wrong cleaning materials. It may be tempting to use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to ensure clean dentures. However, you will be doing more harm than good. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaner. Otherwise, you can create tiny scratches on the surface of your dentures. This may not seem overly concerning, but this is a breeding ground for bacteria.
With more bacteria, you are at an increased risk of developing gum disease. To avoid this, you can use an approved denture cleaner or a mild soap with warm water. This will help remove harmful bacteria. Additionally, if you use a denture cleaner to soak your dentures, you must be sure to rinse them thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.
Avoid Hot Water
When we clean anything, we may first think of using hot water because it is effective in killing bacteria. However, hot water is not a friend to dentures. Hot water will warp the plastic, making them inefficient. When dentures don’t fit properly, they can harm the inside of your mouth. Not only can you develop sores, but they can also impede your ability to speak and eat.