When you get a brand-new toy, you’re probably not thinking too hard about how to make it last. You just want to enjoy it as long as possible! However, if you don’t take care of it, you can’t expect it to stay in good shape for a substantial amount of time. The same can be said for your new dentures. If you neglect them every day, how long do you think your dentures will last? To help you extend their lifespan, here are essential at-home maintenance tips for your restored smile.
Remove and Rinse Your Dentures to Clean after Eating.
At first, it may not make much sense to worry about cleaning your dentures after every time you eat. After all, these false teeth can’t decay! However, food debris can still turn into plaque, which can infect your gums and cause jawbone loss and contribute to serious systemic diseases. Plus, you don’t want those around you to see something stuck in between your teeth after a meal, right?
When you take out your dentures, make sure you do so over a sink of water or over a folded towel on the counter. Your dentures can break if you accidentally drop them, so be careful when handling them.
Don’t Use Toothpaste or Harsh Chemicals on Your Dentures.
Although toothpaste works on enamel to remove stains and particles, many brands are rather abrasive. If you try to use it on your dentures, the toothpaste could scratch or leave marks in your prosthetic teeth. Other harsh cleansers can damage the materials, and extreme heat can cause the plastic in the dentures to warp and not fit properly. To keep them clean and fresh, consider using a denture cleanser regularly while you soak them at night.
Don’t Sleep with Your Dentures in. Soak Them Overnight in Cool Water.
It may seem easier to leave your dentures in your mouth as you sleep, but doing so can allow oral bacteria to settle in. Most people produce less saliva at night or even sleep with their mouth open, creating a dry, bacteria-friendly environment. In addition to keeping your dentures clean, removing them before bed gives your mouth a break from the prosthetics for several hours.
When you place your dentures in a glass of water, make sure it is warm or cool water. Again, hot water will warp the dentures. This is a great time to use a denture cleanser as desired.
Call Your Dentist Right Away If Your Dentures Break.
What should you do if your dentures do crack or break apart entirely? Some DIYers out there may want to handle the situation alone, but this is one instance when you need to involve professionals. Super glue and other adhesives are not formulated for oral use, which means they can be dangerous for your health. Likewise, wearing broken dentures could lead to cuts or other injuries to your soft tissues. Instead of putting your well-being at risk, we can determine whether the dentures can safely be repaired or need to be replaced entirely.
At-home care is undoubtedly necessary for long-lasting dentures, but coupled with regular visits to the dentist for periodic adjustments and checkups, these tips can help you keep that indescribable feeling of having a brand-new smile for years!
About the Practice
Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten at Beach Dental have dedicated more than 20 years to serving patients in nearby communities, including Westhampton Beach, East Quogue, Manorville, Westhampton, East Moriches, and more. Whether you need to replace missing teeth with dentures or dental implants or simply need checkups, our team will care for you and your smile with utmost respect and expertise. If you would like to learn more about dentures, contact us online or call our office at 631-325-0731 for an appointment.