How to Keep Your Dentures Clean and Long-Lasting
Whether you’ve had your dentures for a while or just got them, proper care is necessary for keeping your smile looking its best. Dentures are designed to be durable, but just like natural teeth, they need daily maintenance to stay fresh, clean, and functional. Our skilled Harris, NY dentist, Dr. Ari Cohen offers simple and effective tips to keep your dentures in top shape, along with quality advice for patients in Harris, Liberty, Catskill Mountains, and Upstate New York.
Keep your dentures functioning properly and looking their best by visiting Cohen Dentistry. Call our Harris dental office today by calling (845) 794-4545.
Daily Denture Care: Keep Them Clean and Stain-Free
Cleaning your dentures daily removes food particles and plaque and keeps your dentures looking bright. Here’s what you need to know for a solid cleaning routine:
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristle brush or a special denture brush to clean your dentures. Avoid regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive. Instead, use a mild, non-abrasive denture cleaner.
- Rinse After Meals: Rinse your dentures with lukewarm water after eating to remove food particles that can cause plaque and stains.
- Soak Overnight: To keep your dentures from drying out or warping, soak them overnight in a denture solution. This also helps sanitize them, ensuring they’re fresh and ready for the next day.
- Handle With Care: Dentures can break if dropped, so handle them over a soft surface or a sink filled with water to prevent accidental damage.
Denture Storage and Maintenance
Proper storage and maintenance are key to keeping your dentures in top condition. When not in use, it’s important to keep your dentures submerged in water or a denture soaking solution. This prevents them from drying out and losing their shape, which can compromise their fit and comfort. Acrylic dentures, in particular, can become misshapen if not kept moist, as they have microscopic holes that can cause damage when dry.
Regular cleaning is equally important. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild soap or denture cleanser to gently clean your dentures, removing any food particles and plaque. After cleaning, be sure to rinse dentures thoroughly to eliminate any soap residue. By following these steps, you can ensure your dentures remain durable and comfortable for daily use.
Avoid Stains and Odors
Denture materials are porous, meaning they can absorb stains and odors if not properly cared for. To keep your dentures looking and smelling fresh, consider these tips:
- Limit Stain-Causing Foods: Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain dentures over time. If you do indulge, rinse your dentures afterward.
- Avoid Tobacco: Smoking can lead to staining and may cause unpleasant odors in dentures. Avoiding tobacco products can help keep dentures looking and smelling their best.
- Regular Soaking: Soaking in a denture-cleaning solution can help prevent stains and kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Check with your Harris dentist for the best solutions to use.
Professional Denture Care and Adjustments
While at-home care is important, professional care is also important for the longevity of your dentures. Regular check-ups with your dentist will help ensure that your dentures fit comfortably and are free of any damage.
- Get Professional Cleanings: As with natural teeth, professional cleanings help remove any built-up tartar or stains that at-home care may miss.
- Routine Adjustments: The fit of your dentures may change due to bone and gum changes over time. Regular adjustments with your dentist will help maintain a snug and comfortable fit, which prevents sore spots and keeps your dentures working effectively.
Caring for Your Mouth
Proper denture care also includes taking care of your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth you may still have. Keeping your mouth healthy will improve your comfort and help you avoid infections.
- Clean Your Mouth Daily: Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth each day with a soft toothbrush to stimulate blood flow and remove any plaque.
- Rinse Your Mouth Regularly: Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to help keep your mouth fresh and reduce bacteria.
- Keep an Eye on Your Oral Health: Report any soreness, swelling, or changes in your gums to your dentist. Regular check-ups at Cohen Dentistry are a great way to ensure your oral health remains in top condition.
Common Denture Care Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes in denture care that can weaken dentures and affect their fit. One common error is neglecting regular cleaning, which can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup. Using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners can damage the denture material, compromising their integrity and fit.
Wearing dentures to bed is another frequent mistake. This habit can put undue pressure on the dentures, causing them to become misshapen over time. Additionally, failing to visit your dentist regularly can result in a poor denture fit, leading to discomfort and potential oral health issues.
It’s also important to avoid using hot water to clean your dentures, as it can cause warping or cracking. By being mindful of these common pitfalls and adhering to proper care techniques, you can maintain the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures. Regular dental check-ups and proper cleaning methods are essential to keeping your dentures in optimal condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not recommended to use regular toothpaste to clean your dentures. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive and damage the surface of the dentures, causing scratches and creating places where bacteria can accumulate. Instead, denture wearers should use a cleaner specifically designed for dentures, which is gentler and more effective in removing stains, bacteria, and food particles from the denture surface.
Yes, dentures can break if dropped or mishandled. Dentures are made of acrylic resin, a hard but brittle material that can fracture or crack under pressure. If your dentures break, don’t attempt to repair them yourself, as it may cause further damage.
To prevent your dentures from becoming stained, you should avoid drinking dark-colored liquids like coffee, tea, red wine, and fruit juices. You should also avoid smoking, as it can cause discoloration and stains on your dentures.
Maintain Your Dentures, Maintain Your Smile
Taking a little time each day to care for your dentures can make a difference. From daily cleaning to regular check-ups with Dr. Cohen, a well-maintained pair of dentures will keep you smiling confidently and comfortably for years.
If you’re in Harris, NY, Liberty, Monticello, or nearby, our team at Cohen Dentistry is here to help you with all your denture care needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out by calling (845) 794-4545 for quality advice or to schedule an appointment.