Our Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Your Dentures

As you get older, your body starts slowing down, which means you may need to get dentures in Ann Arbor at some point. These prosthetic devices help restore your ability to chew your food since they’re built to replace missing teeth, some of which you may have lost over the last few years. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, many denture designs are available, fitting your personal preferences.

Since you’ll be using your dentures from here on out, it’s essential to take proper care of them. Doing so will make them last longer and fit more comfortably, reducing your need to purchase replacements. Here’s what you need to know about caring for and cleaning your dentures:

Caring for Your Dentures

Be sure to brush your dentures every day as you do with your teeth, albeit using a soft-bristle denture brush. However, leave the toothpaste behind, as it can damage dentures. Use the special brush and water to brush all surfaces of your dentures thoroughly, but take special care not to bend or flex the attachments. You’ll also have to rinse your dentures with water after each meal. You can also purchase specialized denture cleaners to soak them in, though they cannot substitute brushing.

Your dentures are hardy enough to masticate with, but it’s important to handle them gently. When washing them, be sure to place them on a folded towel carefully to ensure they don’t accidentally fall and break. Soak your dentures in cool water or a cleaning solution when you aren’t using them, such as when you’re asleep. However, you may want to stay away from solutions if your dentures have metal attachments, which can tarnish due to the chemicals. Never use hot water to soak your dentures, as they can cause them to warp.

Cleaning Your Dentures

Like natural teeth, plaque can also form on dentures. If you don’t take care to clean and brush them every day, your dentures will yellow. You’ll also want to avoid foul-smelling odor from your dentures by cleaning them and soaking them in a solution every day.

First, clean your dentures over a sink full of water. That way, if it falls, it won’t sustain damage. Rinse them well in warm water to dislodge food particles. Then, use a denture cleanser. After soaking it, wet a denture brush to clean all the surfaces gently, taking care not to damage any metal or plastic parts. Be sure to use clean, warm water when brushing and rinsing.

Once you’re done cleaning your dentures, it’s time to brush your natural teeth properly with fluoride toothpaste. Doing so will help eliminate plaque from your teeth and maintain overall good oral health, especially before reinserting your dentures.

Removing Your Dentures

There are also a few things you need to know about removing your dentures. First, use warm water or mouthwash to gargle your mouth. Then, fill the sink with warm water to prevent breaking your dentures if they fall out. Gently remove your top denture by putting your thumb against your front teeth, pressing upward and outward. Take your lower denture off by carefully pulling on it with a slow back-and-forth motion.

Conclusion

Properly caring for your dentures will allow you to use them comfortably for five to seven years before needing to replace them, saving you from recurring expenses. It is also good practice to visit your dentist every six months to ensure that your dentures’ condition and fit are still optimal and that your oral health is always in top shape. By following our guide, you’ll enjoy your new smile for many years to come.

Dental House is a dental practice in Michigan offering many services, such as teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, dental implants, and many more. As part of our excellent service, we go above and beyond to ensure your comfort during your visit. Contact us today to book your next appointment!