Is It Difficult Getting Used to Dentures?
Dentures restore your smile, your speech, and how you eat — and they renew your confidence too. Still, it can take some time to get used to them. These simple tips can help.
Here's How to Clean Your Dentures
Tooth loss is incredibly common — so common that nearly half of American adults have lost at least one tooth, and more than 35 million American adults have no teeth at all. Fortunately, if you’re missing one, several, or all their teeth, dentures can restore your smile, bite function, and appearance.
If you’re wearing dentures now or plan on getting dentures, the good news is, that they’re time-tested and easy to get used to. But they do need a little special care, and that means thorough cleaning at least once a day.
At Novi Family Dentistry, Abir Faraj, DDS, and her team help patients in Novi, Michigan, adjust to their new dentures with helpful tips and denture adjustments for ultimate comfort. In this post, learn what you should do to keep your dentures fresh and clean.
Gather your supplies
Cleaning your dentures is a straightforward process, but you do need to pay attention to the supplies you’re using. First, you need a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid stiff bristles since these can scratch the surface of your dentures over time. Have a brush specifically for your dentures, using a different brush for your teeth.
Next, you need a denture cleanser or a non-abrasive toothpaste. Skip whitening pastes since these can also damage the denture surface. Using a mild dish soap is OK too. You might also want to use a special solution for soaking your dentures overnight.
Rinse first
Before you start cleaning your dentures, rinse them off. Use lukewarm or cool water and rinse thoroughly. This step dislodges tiny particles to make brushing more effective. Don’t use very hot water, since that could make your dentures too pliable, resulting in problems with the way they fit.
Brush thoroughly
Now you’re ready to brush. Use your soft-bristled brush to gently but thoroughly clean every surface of your dentures. Thorough brushing gets rid of sticky plaque and bacteria that can lead to bad breath and problems with your gums.
Remove all traces of denture adhesive, and make sure to brush the clasps that hold your dentures in place. Once you’re done brushing, rinse your dentures to remove all traces of toothpaste or cleanser.
Use a denture soak
At night, you can take your dentures out and leave them out until the morning. Many people use special soaking agents to help destroy bacteria and freshen their dentures overnight, so they’re all ready to wear in the morning.
Ask Dr. Faraj to recommend a soaking agent for your needs. If you don’t use a soaking agent, be sure to keep your dentures in their case so they don’t get damaged.
Clean your gums (and remaining teeth)
Once your dentures are clean, don’t forget to clean your gums. For people with remaining teeth, brushing (and hopefully flossing) is automatic. But if you have no remaining teeth, you still need to carefully brush your gums to get rid of bacteria and prevent infections.
One more tip: Consider carrying a small bottle of mouthwash or a soft-bristled brush with you when you go out. Having these items on hand can help you keep your dentures fresh and clean after meals, so you always feel confident.
If you’re missing any teeth, dentures help preserve your bite function and prevent further problems, including additional tooth loss. To learn more about dentures and other tooth replacement options, call 313-646-7903 or book an appointment online at Novi Family Dentistry today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How to Get Relief from Periodontitis Pain
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease when infection reaches far below your gums. The good news: It can be treated to prevent tooth loss. Here’s how our team can help relieve your painful symptoms and improve your oral health too.
5 Foods to Embrace for Healthier Teeth
Most of us know we should avoid sugary snacks and drinks to prevent cavities and gum disease. But are there foods that can improve our oral health too? Yes! Here are five beneficial foods to incorporate into your diet.
4 Smart Reasons to Get a Dental Bridge
Adult tooth loss isn’t uncommon, but that doesn’t make it any less upsetting. Dental bridges help restore your smile and oral function by replacing one or more missing teeth. Here are four reasons you should consider a dental bridge.
All About Metal-Free Tooth Restorations
Metal-free tooth restorations have revolutionized dentistry, restoring damaged teeth and beautiful smiles too. If you need a cavity filled, a crown, or some other restoration, here’s why you might want to consider a metal-free option.
Help! My Teeth Are Dull and Dingy
Teeth look dull and discolored for different reasons, but fortunately, there are solutions that can help. Here, learn about the state-of-the-art treatments that can help your smile look its absolute best.