Dentures are an affordable way to restore your smile. While you can opt for full or partial dentures—depending on if you’re missing some or all of your natural teeth—dentures are made to give you a natural smile and teeth that you can speak and chew with.
Although dentures can last up to 10 years with the right care, you will need to replace your dentures every so often to ensure they continue to comfortably fit your mouth. What are some ways you can prolong the lifespan of your dentures? Here are our top tips for making your dentures last!
Be Careful When Cleaning Them
Since dentures can chip, crack, or break, it’s important to be careful when cleaning them. For example, if you’re taking your dentures out over a stone countertop or floor, put a towel down beforehand so you have somewhere soft to place them, reducing the chances that they would fall on a countertop or floor and break.
You also want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them and avoid abrasive toothpastes or cleaners [1]. Always use cool or cold water, as using hot water to clean or soak your dentures can result in warping, meaning your dentures will lose their ideal shape faster.
Use Two Hands to Remove Dentures
When removing your dentures, use both hands instead of pulling them out from one side with one hand. Since dentures rely on a natural suction between the fabricated material and your gums, pulling the dentures on one side can result in uneven wear when you break the seal. By using both hands to put an even amount of pressure on both sides, you allow your dentures to retain their shape for longer.
Don’t Wear Your Dentures at Night
Although you may be tempted to wear your dentures at night, this may result in gum irritation and can shorten the lifespan of your dentures. Instead, soak your dentures in an approved solution or cold water overnight to protect them [2].
Soaking your dentures is a great way to help preserve them; however, you shouldn’t use soaking as the only means of cleaning. You’ll still need to brush your dentures with a non- abrasive cleaner and a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria daily.
Never Use Your Dentures for Chewing Non-Edible Items
Just like your natural teeth, dentures shouldn’t be used for chewing on items that aren’t meant to be eaten. These include pencils, pens, fingernails, ice, nut shells, or even using your dentures to open packages.
Using your dentures in this way can increase the chances that they would be damaged and need to be replaced sooner. Keep your dentures for longer by only using them to smile, speak, and bite and chew food.
Signs You Need New Dentures
As time goes by, your mouth and your dentures will both change shape, and maintaining your dentures is essential for your oral health [3]. You may need new dentures if you have:
- Sore or tender gums
- Mouth sores
- Trouble chewing or speaking
- Stained, cracked, or chipped dentures
Your dentist can conduct an exam and evaluate your dentures to determine if it’s time to consider a replacement. Ask your dentist for more tips on keeping your dentures in their best possible shape!
Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/dentures.html
2. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-
topics/dentures
3. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cggr/2019/3830267/
