Dentures can improve your confidence, help you regain your smile, and make daily activities like speaking and eating more comfortable. To avoid stains, chips, bad breath, and other oral health problems, dentures need to be maintained and cared for much like natural teeth.

In addition to being uncomfortable and broken, improperly maintained dentures can lead to infections and other issues with oral health. Fortunately, there are few simple practices you can follow to keep your dentures clean and in excellent condition. In this manner, you can continue to smile, and your dentures will last for a long time.

The Importance of Denture Maintenance

Dentures may function similarly to natural teeth. However, these oral appliances are usually constructed of acrylic resin or porcelain and mounted in a metal or plastic framework. So, if this oral appliance is made of artificial materials, why does it need to be cleaned and maintained regularly?

Proper denture care and cleaning involve more than just keeping them fresh. They are essential component of maintaining overall oral health and comfort. Whether you wear full or partial dentures, appropriate care ensures that they fit well, operate effectively, and last as long as possible. Dentures, like natural teeth, can build up bacteria and plaque if not cleaned regularly. Bad breath, swollen and irritated gum tissue, mouth discomfort, and infections can all be caused by plaque and food particles.

Denture maintenance is also necessary to ensure that dentures remain comfortable and fit correctly. Without proper maintenance, denture can warp or become malformed, causing discomfort and sliding, which can lead to chewing problems. Poor fit can also lead to speech issues. Poorly maintained dentures may acquire food debris or rough areas. These concerns may result in extra fit issues or painful ulcers on the gum and sensitive oral tissues.

Dentures can be a costly purchase. Routine care and maintenance lengthen the life of this dental appliance, allowing users to avoid costly repairs and replacements.

Most importantly, a regular dental care routine improves a person’s overall oral hygiene and health. Dentures that are not properly cared for and cleaned can lead to denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis is a fungal infection that causes swelling and discoloration of the soft tissues in the mouth. Poor dental hygiene has been related to a variety of illnesses, including heart disease.

Daily Denture Cleaning Routine

Cleaning and maintaining your dentures on a daily basis doesn’t have to take a lot of time. You can maintain the comfort, cleanliness, and freshness of your dentures with a few easy measures. An effective maintenance routine should include:

• After meals, rinse dentures with water prevent food particles from building up.
• Brush the dentures at least twice a day with a denture cleanser and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• At least twice a day, clean your natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Dentures should be soaked in or a specific denture solution for the entire night.

Always use products and soaking solutions made especially for the dentures to keep them clean. This will lessen the likelihood of chips, scratches and other damage and help the dentures last longer. Dentures can last five to ten years if they are maintained properly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Denture Care

You can also extend the longevity of your dentures and maintain their comfort by following a few dos and don’ts of denture care.

What to do:

• Brush and soak dentures daily
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent scratching and damage
• Remove denture before sleeping
• Use products specifically designed to clean dentures
• Handle dentures gently and store them safely in a covered container

Do not:

• Soak dentures in boiling water
• Adjust dentures yourself if they feel loose or uncomfortable
• Use harsh abrasives or cleaning materials on dentures

If you have any questions, contact your dental professional. Some dentures feature specific linings or metal clasps that can be difficult to clean. Your dentist can provide cleaning advice and prescribe products to help you care for and keep your dentures clean.

Explore Your Denture Options Today

In addition to restoring your smile, dentures can improve the comfort of eating, drinking, speaking, and laughing. Our dental team at Dynamic Digital Dental Care can assist you in exploring your denture options and identifying tooth loss treatments that feel and look natural. In order for your dentures to provide you with years of smiles, we also take the time to educate you on how to maintain and care for them.

To make an appointment, contact our office via phone at 013 213 7236 or book online.