If you are adjusting to new dentures for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions about how to help them last as long as possible. You may be wondering how to take care of your dentures and keep them in good condition despite daily wear and tear. Though they are not real teeth, they still need to be brushed regularly and cared for conscientiously. Failure to take good care of your dentures could result in a variety of problems, such as mouth infections, fitment issues, and irritation to the gum tissue. Make it easier to adjust to new dentures by following these simple steps.
Some people mistakenly think they do not have to brush their dentures because they are not composed of “genuine” bone material. However, when you are adjusting to new dentures, remember that proper care always involves daily brushing. To help this dental appliance last as long as possible, treat them as you would treat natural teeth. Brush them thoroughly when you take them out each night. Brushing will help remove dental plaque, stains, and food particles.
Instead of using regular toothpaste, use a denture cleanser that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance clearly displayed on the packaging. Alternatively, you can use mild hand soap to cleanse this device. Never use a hard-bristled toothbrush, but opt for a soft toothbrush instead. This will help ensure you do not accidentally damage this fragile device while brushing them.
Do not forget to clean your gums, palate, and tongue while you are also taking care of your dentures. Use regular toothpaste and a separate toothbrush to gently brush all these areas inside your mouth. Do this in the morning (before you put your dentures in for the day) and at night (after you take them out). Brushing these areas will stimulate blood flow and improve oral health. It will also remove food particles and create a clean surface for your dentures to adhere to.
When adjusting to new dentures, do not forget to soak them in a special cleansing solution to keep them pliable and moist. When they get dried out, they can start to lose their shape and shrink. That is the last thing you want to have happened to your investment. Ill-fitting dentures are uncomfortable to wear and do not perform their intended function very well. Though you want to keep them moist, remember to never use hot water. Too much heat can also distort the shape and cause them to no longer fit properly in your mouth.
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Even with optimal care, your dentures may eventually need to be adjusted or replaced. Changes in your jaw bone structure and shape can eventually cause your dentures to stop fitting properly on your gums. When this happens, it may be time for a reline, which is the process of resurfacing dentures for an improved fit and appearance. Typically, this process is recommended approximately every three years.
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