Denture Care Guide: How to Ensure Your New Smile Lasts You Several Years to Come

Missing teeth can considerably reduce your quality of life. When patients have lost most or all of their teeth, getting affordable dentures in Denton, TX, is one of the best ways to restore their chewing and speaking abilities.

However, just because a denture is affordable doesn’t mean you shouldn't be careful when handling them. Dentures are delicate devices and mishandling them can lead to serious damage, affecting their fit and functionality. To help you prevent that, we've created these care tips.

How to Take Care of Your Dentures

1. Clean Them Regularly

Even though your dentures are fake teeth, cleaning them regularly is still important. Like natural teeth, food residue and plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria—can accumulate in dentures. And while bacteria won’t cause tooth decay if you have no teeth, it can lead to gum disease, a dangerous gum infection that can affect your bones and overall health in the long run.

For that reason, cleaning dentures daily is a must to keep them in good condition and maintain your oral health. To keep dentures clean, you’ll need to:

• Brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Don’t use toothpaste when brushing your dentures. Many toothpaste brands include ingredients that are too harsh for teeth and can be removed, which could cause scratches or tiny cracks on the tooth's surface.

2. Handle Dentures with Care

Dentures are fragile devices. Dropping them can cause them to fracture, chip, or even dislodge a tooth. To prevent any damage, we recommend placing a soft towel on your sink when handling them. That way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they won’t break.

Additionally, never wash them with hot water. It can cause the dentures to melt and warp, affecting the precise fit and causing discomfort to your gums.

3. Soak Your Dentures Overnight

Avoid sleeping with your dentures on. They’re not designed to be worn overnight, and the contact pressure can seriously irritate your gums. This could lead to sores and discomfort, so pay attention to any pain in the area.

Instead, soak dentures in warm or cool water overnight. This ensures they don’t change shape.

4. Follow Manufacturers’ Instructions When Using Adhesive

Use the recommended amount of denture adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Every night, remove the adhesive with water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

5. Call Your Dentist Right Away if Your Dentures Break

If your dentures break, you may feel prone to keep on using them. After all, a small chip won’t do any harm, right? However, even the smallest crack is a place where bacteria can accumulate, putting the health of your entire mouth at risk.

If you observe any changes, give your dentist a call. Fixing broken dentures on your own can cause more harm to your removable teeth, so avoid doing so.

Make Your Affordable Dentures in Denton, TX, Last for Years

While dentures are long-lasting, taking care of them with the right materials is key to prolonging their lifespan. Dentures can improve your smile and self-confidence with the right cleaning routine and care habits. Contact Savannah Dental today if you have any questions about how to care for your dentures!