Dentures are a valuable tool for restoring your smile and oral function after tooth loss.
However, just like natural teeth, dentures require proper care to maintain their function and appearance.
Here are 5 essential rules to follow for optimal denture care:
1. Clean Your Dentures Regularly
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for both natural teeth and dentures.
Brush your dentures at least twice a day, preferably after meals, with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser. Avoid using toothpaste, which can be too harsh and abrasive for dentures.
Be sure to clean all surfaces of your dentures, including the inner surfaces that come in contact with your gums. You can also soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight for a deeper clean.
2. Handle Your Dentures with Care
Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped or mishandled. Always hold them over a sink or basin filled with water when cleaning or handling them to minimize the risk of damage if you drop them.
When not in your mouth, store your dentures in a denture soaking solution or water to keep them moist and prevent them from warping. Never store your dentures in hot water, as this can distort their shape.
3. Maintain Good Oral Health
Even though you wear dentures, it's still important to take care of your oral health. Brush your gums and tongue daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste.
This helps remove food particles and bacteria that can contribute to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Regular dental checkups are also essential, even if you wear dentures. Your dentist can check the fit and condition of your dentures, as well as monitor your oral health for any potential problems.
4. Avoid Damaging Foods and Habits
Certain foods and habits can damage your dentures or irritate your gums. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as they can pull on your dentures and loosen them over time.
You should also limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Smoking can stain your dentures and irritate your gums. If you smoke, it's best to quit or at least reduce your smoking as much as possible.
5. Don’t Use Over-the-Counter Denture Adhesives
While denture adhesives can help improve the fit of your dentures in the short-term, overuse can actually cause more problems.
Over time, the adhesive can build up on your dentures and make them difficult to clean, which can increase your risk of developing oral infections.
If you find that your dentures are loose, talk to your dentist about getting them relined or adjusted instead of relying on over-the-counter adhesives.
Conclusion
By following these 5 simple rules, you can help keep your dentures clean, comfortable, and functioning properly for years to come.
Remember, good denture care is an essential part of maintaining your overall oral health and preventing problems down the road.
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Dental Implant Center at Walnut Creek: Blog Dr. Keith and Dr. Petrini have been proudly serving the Grater Bay Area community for many years and pride themselves on performing excellent services in general dentistry and dental implants. Dental Implant Center at Walnut Creek, 1111 Civic Drive, Suite 320 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 : (925) 266-3550 : implantcenterwc.com : 1/21/2025 : Page Terms:dental implants Walnut Creek CA :
Dentures are a valuable tool for restoring your smile and oral function after tooth loss. 
