The Best Things to Care for Dentures

Dentures replace teeth that are lost due to aging or tooth decay. Dentures replace all the teeth in the mouth, while overdentures fit over existing teeth. Dentures are fitted to the shape of your mouth, and may feel strange or loose until you become accustomed to them. Eating and drinking may be difficult as you learn how to adjust to life with dentures. Though dentures replace your natural teeth, they still require daily care.

Brushing

• Dentures must be brushed every day to remove plaque build-up and to prevent staining. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush; hard brushes are too abrasive. Ask your dentist for a toothbrush designed for cleaning dentures. Brush gently and thoroughly to remove all food particles. Dentures are fragile, so place a towel underneath to cushion the dentures in case you accidentally drop them. Do not use a toothpaste designed for natural teeth; most are abrasive and will damage your dentures. Choose a paste designed for dentures, or use a mild dish washing liquid, suggests WebMD. Avoid cleansers with bleach, baking soda or other harsh or abrasive ingredients.

Rinsing

• Rinse your dentures after meals to remove food particles. Warm water will suffice for general rinsing. Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to clean dentures, but do not take the place of regular brushing.

Storage

• Keep dentures moist when you are not wearing them, because drying can cause warping and other damage. Several denture-soaking solutions are available, and plain water will also work well. Colgate.com advises denture wearers to avoid soaking dentures in hot water, which may cause damage. Keep your dentures in a safe place when not in use.

Repair

• If your dentures are ill-fitting or cause pain, take them to your oral health care provider. Do not attempt to reshape the dentures yourself; this can cause permanent damage to your dentures and require a costly replacement. Chips or breaks in your dentures should also be repaired by a specialist. Do not attempt to repair your dentures at home, even with an at-home repair kit, warns WebMD. Your dentures may need to be reshaped or replaced as you age, due to changes in the shape of your face. According to WebMD, dentures that are properly cared for should last at least five years.

Oral Health Care

• Keep your mouth healthy and clean. If you use partial or overdentures, brush your natural teeth daily to prevent cavities. If you do not have natural teeth, gently brush your gums with a soft toothbrush and clean your mouth daily to prevent gum disease or other oral health problems.