Our Everett Dentist Guides You in Maintaining Your Custom Dentures
Having dentures doesn’t mean you can neglect proper oral hygiene and care. Dentures require consistent cleaning and maintenance to keep your mouth healthy and your dentures functioning properly. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for your dentures, from daily cleaning routines to when it’s time for a replacement.
If you have any questions or concerns about your denture care, contact our Everett, WA, dentist at Just Smile Dental today by calling (425) 341-1111.
The Importance of Denture Care
Dentures are a popular solution for missing teeth, but without proper care, they can become uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and even cause damage to your remaining natural teeth and gums. Neglecting to clean your dentures can lead to a buildup of bacteria, plaque, and stains, which can contribute to gum disease, mouth sores, and other oral health issues.
How to Maintain and Clean Your Dentures
Proper maintenance of dentures is essential for their longevity, and to ensure they continue to function properly. Dr. William Webley recommends doing the following to properly care for your dentures.
Clean Dentures Daily
Dentures should be cleaned daily to remove food particles and prevent the buildup of bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle soap or denture cleanser to clean the denture thoroughly. Make sure to avoid using harsh soap or toothpaste, as these can damage your dentures. Rinse dentures before placing them back into the mouth.
Handle With Care
Dentures are delicate and can be easily damaged if handled roughly. When cleaning them, be sure to handle your dentures carefully to avoid scratching, damaging, or breaking them.
Soak Them Overnight
Soaking dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight can help remove bacteria and keep them clean. However, make sure you follow instructions for soaking dentures and never use hot water, as it can cause your dentures to warp.
Store Them Properly
Dentures should be stored in a clean, dry container when not in use. Make sure the container has a lid and is placed in a safe location where it won’t be accidentally dropped or knocked over.
Repair When Needed
If a denture is damaged or is not fitting properly, visit our Everett dentist to have it repaired. If you try to fix broken dentures yourself, it can cause further damage and potentially render the denture unusable.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Just because you have dentures doesn’t mean you should neglect your oral hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue, and remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. This will help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems that weaken dentures.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health, even if you have dentures. Our dentist can check your dentures for any signs of wear or damage, as well as examine your gums and remaining natural teeth. We may also recommend adjustments or replacements if necessary.
When to Replace Your Dentures
Like all dental appliances, dentures will eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear or changes in your mouth shape. Signs that it’s time for new dentures include:
- Visible Wear: Check for signs of wear and tear, including cracks, chips, or worn-down teeth. These can impact both the function and appearance of your dentures.
- Loose Fit: If your dentures no longer fit snugly or cause irritation, they may need to be relined or replaced. An ill-fitting denture can lead to sore spots and difficulties with eating and speaking.
- Discomfort or Irritation: If you experience persistent discomfort, soreness, or irritation while wearing your dentures, consult your dentist. This could be due to changes in your mouth or the condition of your dentures.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: The inability to chew or speak properly, even after adjustments, may indicate the need for new dentures.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, contact our dentist in Everett today at (425) 341-1111 to schedule an appointment. We’ll examine your dentures and recommend the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s what you need to not do with your dentures:
- Never use hot or boiling water to clean or soak your dentures, as this can cause them to warp or become misshapen.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or damage your dentures.
- Don’t sleep with your dentures in unless specifically instructed by your dentist.
No, it’s not recommended to use regular toothpaste to clean your dentures. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive and damage the surface of the dentures, causing scratches and creating places where bacteria can accumulate. Instead, denture wearers should use a cleaner specifically designed for dentures, which is gentler and more effective in removing stains, bacteria, and food particles from the denture surface.
Dentures themselves won’t directly make you look younger. However, they can indirectly contribute to a more youthful appearance by improving facial structure, restoring your smile, rejuvenating your face, and boosting your self-confidence. Consulting with a dentist will help determine the best options for you.
To prevent your dentures from becoming stained, you should avoid drinking dark-colored liquids like coffee, tea, red wine, and fruit juices. You should also avoid smoking, as it can cause discoloration and stains on your dentures.
Visit Just Smile Dental for a Long-Lasting Smile
At Just Smile Dental, we believe that denture care is essential to ensuring optimal oral health and quality of life for our patients. We recommend that patients clean their dentures regularly, avoid staining foods and beverages, and visit our office at least once a year for a checkup and adjustment.
If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care for your dentures, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today by calling our Everett dental office at (425) 341-1111. We welcome patients in Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and Silver Firs, WA.