Maintaining and cleaning your dentures are of utmost importance. Discover everything you need to know about denture care in this guide.

The global dentures market reached $1.2 billion in 2020 and could grow by a rate of 7.2%. Dentures are becoming more commonly used among elderly patients! In fact, over 20% of patients ages 65 and up have lost their natural teeth due to disease or decay.

If you own dentures, it's important to keep them clean! Read on for A Guide to Proper Denture Care from your dentist in Corning, NY!

With these denture maintenance tips, you can keep them bacteria-free with ease.

Remove and Rinse

Plaque and food can stick to your dentures (the same way they would stick to your natural teeth). Plaque is the tacky film that develops from bacteria, food particles, and saliva. When left unattended, plaque buildup can increase your risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

Cleaning dentures can benefit your oral and overall health. Keeping your dentures clean will reduce your risk of tooth decay. Otherwise, bacteria and viruses can spread through your bloodstream, increasing your risk of other health issues.

First, always remove your dentures after meals. Run them under lukewarm water to clean away food particles and bacteria.

Handle your dentures with care. Put a towel in the sink. If you drop them, the soft cushion can reduce the risk of breaking them.

Cleaning Dentures

For cleaning dentures, you'll need:

Water
A soft towel
Denture cleaning solution
A soft-bristled toothbrush

Schedule time to clean your dentures at least once a day. It's best to brush them twice (every morning and every night). Brushing twice a day will minimize bacteria buildup.

Don't use toothpaste when brushing dentures. Toothpaste products contain abrasive ingredients meant for cleaning your teeth. Your protective tooth enamel can withstand these ingredients.

Your dentures, on the other hand, can't. Over time, brushing dentures with toothpaste could damage the denture's surface. Scratches or small cracks could form.

Instead, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning solution specifically meant for dentures. Using a soft-bristled brush will reduce the likelihood of damage.

Brushing your dentures will remove plaque, bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Clean every area of the denture's surface using a denture cleanser or mild soap.

Avoid using hot water, which could alter their shape.

Brushing dentures once a week isn't enough to thoroughly clean them, though. You need to make it part of your daily routine.

Brush and Floss

About one in 10 Americans don't brush and floss their teeth before going to bed. Another one in 10 only brush at night twice to four times a week.

Don't neglect your oral health. After removing and cleaning your dentures, brush and floss. Brushing and flossing twice a day will keep plaque from forming and bacteria from spreading.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and tongue. Clean and rinse the roof of your mouth, cheeks, and gums. Floss to remove any food particles from between your teeth.

If you neglect your oral health, the plaque that forms could cause staining on your dentures.

If you notice any changes to your oral health, visit your Corning dentist right away.

Soak Overnight

Before going to bed, soak your dentures. Your dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape. Place them in lukewarm water mixed with a mild denture-cleaning solution.

Before soaking your dentures, check the denture solution's label for instructions.

Don't sleep with your dentures on, which could cause health issues.

After brushing your teeth in the morning, thoroughly rinse your dentures to clean away the solution. The denture solution could contain harmful chemicals. If you fail to rinse your dentures, you could experience burns, vomiting, or pain if you swallow the solution.

If you don't have a denture solution on hand, make your own denture-soaking solution using vinegar and water.

Remember not to use hot water when soaking your dentures. Hot water can change the shape of your dentures. If your dentures don't fit properly, talk to your dentist right away.

You should let your dentist know if you notice any buildup on your dentures. Try soaking your dentures in a solution of one part vinegar and four parts water. If you're still unable to clean them, schedule an appointment.

Remain Patient

Talk to your dentist for instructions on how to properly take your dentures in and out. Your dentist can also review do's and don'ts you'll need to keep in mind.

For example, you should never force your dentures on or off. Instead, be gentle and take your time when removing them.

When you first start wearing dentures, it can take time to adjust to the sensation. Remain patient. Start with soft foods and small bites.

Visit Your Dentist

Schedule routine dental cleanings with your dentist in Corning, NY. Routine cleanings will allow you to maintain and improve your oral health. Your dentist can also spot issues or ease any concerns you have about your dentures.

You should contact your dentist if your dentures:

Slip
No longer fit properly
Feel uncomfortable
Appear worn
Break
Make a noise when you talk or eat

Keep track of your oral health, too. You should visit your dentist if you develop bad breath, mouth sores, or bleeding gums. These problems could indicate an oral health issue.

Mouth sores could indicate that your dentures no longer fit properly.

If you experience issues with your dentures, it can feel tempting to try and fix them on your own. Don't; it's not worth it. You could cause additional damage.

Dentures have complicated designs and structures. Visit your dentist. They'll have the proper tools and expertise to make the necessary adjustments.

Use a Guide to Proper Denture Care

With a guide to proper denture care from your dentist in Corning, NY, you can keep your dentures bacteria-free. Keeping your dentures clean will improve your oral and overall health. You can keep bacteria from spreading while maintaining a beautiful smile.

If you need help with your dentures, don't hesitate to visit your Corning dentist.

Need to schedule an upcoming appointment? We can't wait to see you!

Contact Finger Lakes Family Denta l today to book your next visit!

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