Proper denture care is important for both the health of your dentures and mouth. Here are some
tips.
Preparation
Handle dentures with great care. To avoid accidentally dropping them, stand over a folded towel or
a full sink of water when handling them.
Brushing/rinsing
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing helps
prevent the development of permanent stains on the dentures. Use a brush with soft bristles that
is specifically designed for cleaning dentures. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush; it can damage
dentures. Gently brush all surfaces of the denture and be careful not to damage the plastic or bend
attachments. We include a quality denture brush with all our our ultrasonic denture cleaning kits.
Ultrasonic cleaners can be used to care for dentures These cleaners are mini bathtub-like devices
that contain a cleaning solution. The denture is immersed in the tub and then sound waves create
a wave motion that dislodges the undesirable deposits.
Denture cleansers
Household cleansers and many toothpastes may be too abrasive for your dentures and should not
be used. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture. Your dentist
may recommend a denture cleanser.
Dentures need to be kept moist
Otherwise they may dry out or lose their shape.
When not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water.
However, if your denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a
soaking solution. Your dentist can recommend the best methods for caring for your particular
denture. Dentures should never be placed in hot water, as it can cause them to warp.
Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures?
One or more follow-up appointments are generally needed soon after you receive your denture so
that your oral health care provider can make any necessary adjustments. Never attempt to adjust
or repair your dentures yourself. Never bend any part of the clasp or metal attachments yourself;
doing so can weaken the metal structure. "Do-it-yourself’ repair kits can permanently damage your
dentures and over-the-counter glues may contain harmful chemicals.
Dentures that don’t fit properly
These can cause irritation and sores in your mouth and on your gums. Be
sure to contact your oral health care provider if your denture breaks, cracks, chips or if one of the
teeth becomes loose. Oftentimes, he or she can make the necessary adjustment or repair on the
same day. For some complicated repairs, your denture may have to be sent to a special dental
laboratory.
Will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased or remade due to normal wear; natural age-
related changes to your face, jaw bones and gums; or if the dentures become loose. To reline or
rebase a denture, the dentist or prosthodontist refits the denture base or makes a new denture
base and reuses the existing teeth. Generally, complete dentures should be used for 5 to 7 years
and then consideration given to replacing them. The mouth continues to change over time,
creating the need to remake the denture.
I do anything special to care for my mouth and gums?
Even with full dentures, it is important to brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled
brush every morning before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates
circulation in the mouth. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture's metal
clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. If you
wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before you brush your natural teeth. Clean, rest, and
massage the gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help clean
your gums. Eat a balanced diet so that proper nutrition and a healthy mouth can be maintained.
How often should I schedule dental appointments
Your dentist or prosthodontist will advise you about how often you need to visit, but every 6 months
should be the norm. Regular dental visits are important so that your denture and mouth can be
examined for proper denture fit, to look for signs of oral diseases including cancer, and to have
your teeth professionally cleaned.
This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care
provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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