Denture Tips

Whether you are new at wearing dentures or have been wearing them for years, knowing how to care for them is critical. For most people, the experience of wearing dentures can take time getting use to. Learning how to care for your dentures, how to alleviate common discomforts and how to choose safe foods to eat can be the key to wearing your dentures for years to come.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• How you clean your dentures and with what also impact their comfort when you wear them. Because regular toothpaste can ruin your dentures, it is important to use a denture cleaner as well as a special denture brush. Clean your dentures at least twice a day, usually morning and night, and rinse them thoroughly after eating as well.

  Although some people choose to wear their dentures 24 hours a day, it is not recommended by most dentists. The gum tissue located inside of your mouth needs time to replenish, and this can only happen when the dentures are removed.

  Soak the dentures in a small cup in a solution of 50 percent vinegar and 50 percent water to remove any type of fungus that may form on the dentures. After soaking them, brush the dentures lightly to remove any solution still present.

  Clean the brush at least once a week by soaking it in a solution of 50 percent bleach and 50 percent water to eliminate any built-up bacteria on the brush.

Alleviating Pain

• Massage your gums daily with a soft bristle toothbrush or your clean fingers to help toughen up the gum tissue so it is not so sensitive when wearing dentures. Rinsing your mouth twice a day with warm water and salt also helps the gums feel less irritated. If your mouth is extremely uncomfortable, over-the-counter topical pain medication will help numb the area. Remember to give your mouth a rest if need be as well. Leaving your dentures out for a day can help relieve some of the pressure on sore gums.

Eating Foods

• When first wearing dentures, it is important to eat soft foods until you get more comfortable with your dentures. Once you're more comfortable, gradually introduce foods that are harder in texture. Remember not to overdo it or eat pieces that are too large. The most common foods to avoid when wearing dentures are those with a sticky texture (such as peanut butter) or any food that requires tugging or chewing (such as pizza crust). These types of foods can loosen dentures, causing them to possibly fall out. Avoiding foods that contain seeds or nuts is also wise, because they can become stuck underneath your dentures. Additionally, any food that is too tough or hard can cause your dentures to crack.

Warnings

• Dentures are very fragile, so it is important to treat them with care anytime you are handling them. It is very easy for them to become cracked or damaged if not taken care of properly.

  Never use regular toothpaste, cleaning products or any abrasive cleaners to keep them in good shape. These items can crack the dentures and cause significant damage. They can also strip the coloring out of the pink part of the dentures, making them look unnatural.

  If you have partial dentures do not soak them in vinegar solution, as it can deteriorate the metal on the denture itself.

  If soreness persists for longer than 10 days, see your dentist.