How Do I Care for My Dentures?

If you wear full or partial dentures, taking care of them is essential for maintaining both your oral health and ensuring your dentures last for as long as possible. With correct maintenance, dentures can last for years while continuing to provide comfortable function and an attractive smile. But what are the best practices for denture care? Here’s how to properly care for your dentures so you can smile confidently.

Have a Daily Denture Cleaning Routine

Maintaining clean dentures is crucial for preventing stains, bad breath, and oral health issues when wearing dentures.

A proper daily cleaning routine should include rinsing dentures after eating to remove loose food particles and brushing dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an approved denture cleaner once a day [1].

After cleaning your dentures, be sure to clean your mouth thoroughly, including gums, cheeks, and tongue, before reinserting dentures.

How to Handle Overnight Care and Storage

Your nighttime routine for denture care is particularly important for both denture maintenance and oral health. It’s important to remove dentures every night to allow your gum tissue to rest. You can store dentures in room-temperature water or a denture solution. 

It’s crucial to avoid using hot water when cleaning or storing your dentures, as this can cause the denture material to warp [2]. Keep dentures in a safe place away from children and pets, and clean your denture storage container daily to prevent bacteria growth.

Take Care Handling Your Dentures

Proper handling helps prevent damage and maintain denture fit. Always handle your full or partial dentures over a folded towel or sink filled with water. It’s important to avoid dropping dentures, as they can break or crack [3].

Whenever handling your dentures, hold them carefully when cleaning to prevent bending or damaging the clasps. Never attempt to adjust or repair dentures yourself—if they are uncomfortable or not fitting quite right, it’s time to see your dentist.

Get Professional Checkups and Maintenance

Regular dental checkups are important for getting your dentures and your mouth examined. Your dentist will check the fit of your dentures and make repairs if necessary or suggest a replacement if they cannot be repaired.

Consider seeing your dentist if your dentures:

  • Are loose or sliding when you eat or speak
  • Have visible cracks or chips in the material
  • Are causing persistent sore spots or gum irritation
  • Have stains that won’t come off with regular cleaning
  • Are uncomfortable to chew with

Schedule Your Denture Checkup Today

Don’t wait until you experience problems with your dentures to seek professional care. Regular maintenance and checkups can prevent many common issues, ensure your dentures last for years, and give you a comfortable, beautiful smile.

Contact your dentist today to schedule a denture evaluation and professional cleaning. Your oral health and comfort depend on proper denture care—let your dentist help you maintain your investment in your smile!

Sources:

  1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures
  2. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dentures
  3. https://hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/hwpi.harvard.edu/files/dental/files/denture_care_post_op_instructions-qr.pdf?m=1715095081
Summary
How Do I Care for My Dentures?
Article Name
How Do I Care for My Dentures?
Description
If you wear full or partial dentures, taking care of them is essential for maintaining both your oral health and ensuring your dentures last for as long as possible. With correct maintenance, dentures can last for years while continuing to provide comfortable function and an attractive smile. But what are the best practices for denture care? Here’s how to properly care for your dentures so you can smile confidently.
Author
Leesburg Premier Dental