Dentures are a wonderful option for those who need to replace several or an entire arch of pearly whites. They give you a functional and natural-looking smile that can last up to 10 years or more. But just like regular teeth, they are affected by wear and tear. You can add to their lifespan with some attentive care! Here are six tips from your dentist on how to keep your dentures in their best shape for as long as possible.
Tip #1: Handle Your Dentures with Care
Handling your dentures carefully will minimize the risk of cracks or breaks. To prevent any damage, wash them over a sink filled with water or a soft, clean, folded towel so something will break their fall in case you drop them. Additionally, put your dentures in a special case when you are not using them to keep them safe from harm.
Tip #2: Brush Your Dentures Daily
As with your natural teeth, dentures need to be brushed every day to ensure that they’re free of bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture-specific toothpaste to thoroughly scrub any remaining debris off your prosthetic. Avoid any harsh tools or products, like a hard-bristled toothbrush or whitening toothpaste, which can damage them.
Tip #3: Clean the Rest of Your Mouth
Many times, personal dental care focuses on just the teeth, whether natural or artificial. But oral health encompasses your entire mouth since bacteria and plaque can gradually accumulate throughout it. For this reason, you should make sure to brush any remaining teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks at least twice a day to maintain good oral health.
Tip #4: Rinse Your Denture After Every Meal
Food particles and debris can gather and settle on your dentures for extended periods after eating. Instead of letting them sit on your restorations, it’s best to rinse your dentures off once you’ve finished your meal. This will decrease the growth of bacteria and plaque, as mentioned above.
Tip #5: Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Before going to bed, soak them in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution. Hot water can warp the material and cause them to lose their fit, so be sure to use room-temperature water. In the morning, rinse them before placing them back in your mouth.
Tip #6: Maintain Regular Checkups
Whether you have partial or full dentures, dental checkups are still important to keep your dentures and oral health in good shape. Your dentist can examine and professionally clean them, which helps them last longer. They will also check your prosthetic to see if it still fits correctly and that the inside of your mouth is healthy.
With these helpful tips, regular dental visits, and attentive care, your dentures should last as long as possible. Now that is something to smile about!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Baldelli and his team at Newport Dental Associates serve Newport and the surrounding areas. He provides an array of services under one roof, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care. Depending on your unique needs and oral health, he can help you achieve a complete, healthy smile, whether you need partial, full, or implant dentures. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (401) 847-7662.