How to Care for Your Dentures to Prevent Damage

If you recently had some or all of your teeth extracted, chances are you have been thinking about dentures. If you already have them, you may be wondering how to properly care for them so that the dentures do not break. After all, dentures can be costly. Whether you have full or partial dentures, there are a few special care tips you should pay attention to help your dentures last five, eight or even 10 years.

Denture care tips

There are many care tips for denture wearers to follow if they want their dentures to last. For starters, dentures should always be removed at night so both the dentures and mouth can rest. While dentures are out, wearers should always soak them in a special denture solution. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar and will ward off stains and bacteria.

In addition to soaking dentures each night, wearers should clean them every day just like natural teeth. However, regular toothpaste should never be used when cleaning dentures. Instead, wearers should use hand or dish soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush away built-up tartar and bacteria. When dentures are not properly cleaned, bacteria may spread to the gums and other tissue, causing irritation and infections. That said, it is also a good idea for wearers to scrub their gums and rinse with mouthwash to prevent bacteria buildup.

Handle with care

Another way to prevent damage is to handle dentures with care. For example, when denture wearers clean their dentures, the sink should be filled with water or a towel. That way, if the dentures do fall, the impact will be lessened. If dentures fall on a hard surface, there is always a risk of cracks or chips developing. Sometimes a tooth may even break free. When this happens, wearers need to have the dentures repaired as soon as possible.

Regular visits to the dentist

In addition to these tips, denture wearers should also schedule regular dentist appointments. No matter what type of dentures a wearer has, general dentist appointments are important to ensure no oral issues are popping up. Nowadays, general dentists also look for signs of oral cancer. Dentists can also help wearers detect changes in a denture’s fit. When dentures become loose or no longer fit a wearer properly, it can result in discomfort, pain, sores, trouble chewing and problems speaking normally. On top of that, poorly fitting dentures may be a sign of an underlying health issue, like periodontal disease.

Pay attention to food

Denture wearers should also be mindful of the type of food they eat. For example, sticky foods may get stuck on metal clasps or jostle a tooth loose. Hard, crunchy foods may cause cracks in denture teeth or the base of the denture. Because of this, these types of foods should be avoided to prevent damage.

Help your dentures last

If you are new to dentures and wondering how to take care of them, reach out to your general dentist. There are many ways to take care of dentures to ensure they do not become damaged. From rinsing and brushing to attending regular dentist appointments, there are plenty of ways to make sure dentures last for years to come.

Request an appointment here: https://frankforddentalcare.com or call Frankford Dental Care at (215) 302-1746 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.

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