It's important to look after your dentures as if they are your real teeth. Here are some care instructions and hygiene tips to look after your dentures.
1. Clean your dentures daily.
This is an essential step for all denture owners and especially if you have a partial denture. Brush your dentures every day the same way you would brush your teeth. Skip the toothpaste and use a soft bristle brush. Just like our teeth, dentures can also get plaque build up. So soak your dentures daily and use a denture cleaner to remove the excess plaque as well as to disinfect your dentures. Remember to rinse your dentures with water after every meal as food can get caught between the dentures and gums. A lack of denture cleanliness can lead to poorer oral health and diminish the livelihood of your remaining teeth for partial denture wearers.
2. Leave your dentures out overnight.
Leaving your dentures out at night helps to relieve any soreness and prevent infections from occurring. For those who have partial dentures, it is critical to take your dentures out overnight as leaving them in can deteriorate the other remaining teeth in your mouth. If your dentures have a metal/chrome base, do not soak them overnight as the frames may cause them to corrode. Store them in a dry and safe place, where children and pets cannot get a hold of them.
3. Treat your dentures right.
Dentures can be quite slippery so when taking out or cleaning your dentures, fill the sink with water or place a towel over the basin. This is so they don't break if you accidentally drop them in the sink. Do not clean or soak your dentures in hot water as it could change the shape of your dentures.
4. Visit your dentist regularly.
It's a good idea for patients who have a removable partial denture to visit their dentist regularly to ensure their gums and any other remaining teeth are in good health.
