Dentures help us when we lose our original teeth to ageing and various other factors. It is important that we take good care of these dentures mainly for enjoying good health and mouth. A healthy mouth is represented by bright looking teeth and gums. Here are some denture care tips that will take oral hygiene a long way.

1. Handle with care

Dentures are subtle additions to your mouth. While handling the same during varieties of occasions, ensure dentures are held in hands in a safe manner. Stand to bend over the washing sink, so dentures do not fall from high altitudes.

2. Avoid using Toothpaste on Dentures

It is important that dentures are cleaned at least once every day. However, do not use toothpaste on dentures since this may damage the acrylic. The abrasive nature of toothpaste causes scratches on the dentures which are visible only when seen through a microscope.

It is indeed important to brush the dentures every day but only with an intention to clean the plaques and food particles stuck to the same. Brushing dentures regularly also help in maintaining and remaining stain free. Ensure you use only a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the dentures. Take enough care to cover all the niche areas in the dentures while cleaning. It is a good habit to rinse the dentures in water every time after you consume food.

3. Denture cleaners help in cleaning Dentures

Dentures can be cleaned using mild dish wash liquids or liquid hand soaps. Avoid using regular toothpaste or household cleaning liquids since their roughness may cause damages in the denture surfaces. Using bleaching powder or any bleach may make the pink portions of the denture white.

Cleaning the dentures using ultrasonic cleaners can be one of the best ways adapted. Ultrasonic cleaners are nothing but small cleaning tubs which have cleaning solution in them. The sound waves caused in the tub clears all the unwanted deposits in the dentures. Remember, this is not a foolproof way to replace manual brushing of the denture.

4. Dentures need to be taken care even when not in use

Dentures tend to lose their shape due to loss of moisture when not properly taken care while not being used. They also dry out if not properly safeguarded while not in use. Ensure the dentures are kept in water or denture cleanser liquid. If the denture has metal parts, check with your dentist about the proper manner in which they can be taken care when not being used. Never place dentures in hot water since the heat in the water may cause the dentures to warp.

5. Can I repair or adjust my Dentures on my own?

Avoid doing any repairs or adjustments if you find any mismatch in your dentures as soon as you take the same home from the Dentist. The clasps found in the dentures must not be bent. The metal attachments in the dentures must not be meddled with. Doing such things all by yourself will weaken the overall structure in an irreparable manner.

Avoid using ‘Do-it-yourself’ kind of kits available in the market since these may cause permanent damage to the dentures and underlying gums. The glues available over the counter for fixing and repairing dentures as it may spoil the same due to the high levels of a chemical found.

Do not use Dentures when they are broken or if you witness any cracks on them. Such breakages can meddle with the fitting of the dentures in your mouth. This will ultimately result in mouth sores and irritation. Avoid using dentures that do not provide the comfort since the more the damage caused to the dentures, the delayed will be the repair time to correct the error. Get in touch with your dentist the moment you feel some damage in your dentures.

6. Is denture replacement a must?

Dentures, when used for long periods of time undergo wear and tear. The reasons for wear and tear may be many, right from the changes in the contours of the face of the wearer to age-related factors. This makes it essential to rebase or reline to suit the current requirements.

The Prosthodontist then resizes new dentures based on the new measurements. Average lifespan for most dentures is 7 years – after which point replacement is highly likely.

7. Mouth and Gum care while using Dentures

It is important to follow certain habits and precautions to safeguard the mouth while using dentures. Some tips for the same are given below:

Ensure that all parts of the mouth are brushed thoroughly once every day with the help of soft bristled tooth brush.
Wear the dentures in your mouth only after brushing first thing in the morning.
The metal clasps of the dentures must be cleaned with extra care. Remember, any presence of plaque in the metal clasps increases the chance of tooth decay to a great extent.
Brush your natural teeth only after removing the partial dentures from the mouth.
Ensure your gums are cleaned and massaged in a periodic manner. This can be done with lukewarm water after removing the dentures from the mouth.
Consuming a healthy diet will help in maintaining the gums and mouth in a hygienic manner.

In what periodicity should I visit the Dentist when I use dentures?

People who use Dentures must visit their Dentist or Prosthodontist once every six months. Take your Doctor’s advice about the same. Periodic visits to your dentist ensure that the dentures fit in your mouth in a perfect manner. Dentists use these visits to check your mouth and related areas for cavities or other lesions. It also helps them to keep a check on your oral health.

Adhere to these denture care methods always.