Top Tips – Caring for your Dentures

New Dentures – Old Dentures

A little advice.

1. 1. Handle with Care: Handle your dentures over a soft surface or a folded towel to avoid dropping and damaging them. Dentures can be fragile, so handling them with care is essential.
   2. Clean Your Dentures Daily: Proper cleaning is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a denture brush to clean your dentures thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive and damage the denture surface. Instead, use a mild denture cleanser or regular toothpaste your dentist recommends.
   3. Soaking Dentures Overnight: It was thought that dentures must be soaked in a cleaning solution all night to maintain hygiene and prevent bacteria buildup on the dentures. People soaked them in everything from salt water to baking soda to bleach. While the salt water and baking soda don’t hurt the denture, the bleach does.
      It doesn’t happen overnight, but chronic over-soaking of dentures in bleach water begins to bleach the pink out of the acrylic and makes the acrylic more porous, hence more susceptible to the growth of bacteria.
      I tell my patients wearing their dentures overnight is fine, but clean the denture and their teeth before bed.
      Remember that the denture is a foreign object and can build up calculus and tartar, too, so ensure they are cleaned daily.
   4. Brush Your Gums and Tongue: Even with dentures, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth. This helps to remove plaque and stimulate circulation in your oral tissues.
   5. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners or Harsh Chemicals: Harsh cleansers, bleach, or abrasive cleaning agents can damage the surface of your dentures. Stick to mild denture cleansers and avoid using household cleaners or harsh chemicals.
   6. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. They can examine your dentures, assess their fit, and make necessary adjustments. It’s also an opportunity to address any concerns or issues.

1. Avoid DIY Denture Repairs: If your dentures become damaged or require repair, avoid attempting to fix them yourself. DIY repairs can lead to further damage and compromise the fit and function. Instead, consult your dentist, who can assess the problem and provide appropriate solutions.

Remember, maintaining proper denture care and hygiene is essential for the longevity and functionality.

By following these tips and seeking professional dental care, you can ensure that your dentures stay clean, comfortable, and in good condition.

We check at each checkup for fit, fractures and other issues and will always advise appropriately.