People tend to assume that because dentures aren’t real teeth, they don’t require the same amount of care and maintenance as natural teeth, but this isn’t true. All dentures, whether partial or full, need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent bacteria and stains. Dentures, as well as your mouth, can be kept in good shape with proper care.

The following tips will help you take care of your dentures:

Rinsing

After every meal or snack, as well as after brushing your teeth, remove and rinse your dentures. The water helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Always handle your dentures carefully and avoid using hot water.

Brushing

It is very important to brush your dentures just as you would your teeth. Every morning and night, brush your gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and any natural teeth you may have. You should place towels around your sink as well as a hard floor surface to prevent your dentures from being damaged if they fall. Dentures should be cleaned using a soft-bristled toothbrush and without using any cleaning solutions. Water, denture paste, or non-abrasive toothpaste can be used. You can contact our dental office for recommendations on how to safely clean your dentures.

Removing adhesives

You can remove any adhesive residue by gargling with warm saltwater. You can then use a clean washcloth to clean your gums and the roof of your mouth before rinsing your mouth again with warm water. For stubborn adhesive bits, you can also brush your gums with a soft toothbrush.

Soaking overnight

To clean your dentures overnight, soak them in a denture cleaning solution or water. You can also use a fast-acting cleanser before storing your dentures in water. Be sure to follow the instructions on the denture cleaner package. When cleaning a partial denture, use a solution specifically designed for partial dentures.

When not wearing them, it is important to always submerge your partial or full dentures in water or denture solution. The acrylic can dry out over time and lose its shape, leading to the dentures becoming brittle and not fitting well. Dentures contain hundreds of microscopic holes, so it is crucial to keep them moist to prolong their life. When dentures dry out, the following problems can occur:

• They become painful and uncomfortable. Moisture keeps dentures pliable, so they stay comfortable in your mouth. 
• Contamination: If you soak your dentures in a cleaning solution at night, you will be able to keep them clean and eliminate all the harmful bacteria.
• The material becomes brittle-When they are dry, dentures are brittle, which means they are more likely to break if dropped. If your dentures break, you will have to start the entire process over again.

Make sure you see your dentist in 22181 regularly to have your mouth and dentures examined and cleaned. Please contact our Vienna, VA dental office to schedule an appointment.