Removable full or partial dentures require proper care for keeping them free from stains, clean and help them to last longer. Plaque can form on dentures too, just like they do on natural teeth. Failing to remove them daily can make them look less bright and white. It is important to clean your dentures with a brush and soak them in a cleanser solution daily to avoid odor Following are few Dos and Donts for denture maintenance:
- Handle them with care: Make sure that you don’t damage or bend the plastic or the clasps(fastener) when cleaning.
- Proper cleaning of dentures after eating: By running water over the dentures remove the food materials or other particles. Place a towel in the sink or on the counter or put some water so that the dentures wont break in case you drop them.
- Brush your dentures at least twice a day: Clean your dentures by soaking and brushing with a non abrasive cleaner to remove plaque, food and other deposits. in case if you use adhesive for your dentures make sure to clean the grooves fitting against your gums for removing the adhesive remains. Never use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
- Cleaning of mouth after removing dentures: By using a soft bristled tooth brush make sure that you clean your cheeks, tongue and palate(roof of your mouth).
- Soak the dentures over night when not used: Dentures need to be remained moist to keep their shape. During nights when they are not put in used soak them either in a mild denture soaking solution or water.
- Scheduled dental check ups: Visit your dentists to have your dentures examined and cleaned. Dentists can help ensure a perfect fit to prevent discomfort and slippage.
- Whitening tooth pastes: Tooth pastes that are used aimed for whitening purpose contains abrasives and should be avoided on dentures.
- Loose dentures can cause sores, infection and other irritation hence see your dentist if u have a loose fit of your dentures.
- Avoid strong cleansers, harsh tooth paste and stiff bristled brushes for cleaning dentures as they contain abrasive materials.
- Never use products that has bleaching effect because they weaken the dentures and changes their color. Make sure that you don’t soak dentures that are with metal attachments in chlorinated solutions as it can corrode and tarnish the metal.
- Avoid boiling or hot water that could distort your dentures.
By following the above mentioned steps helps you to keep your dentures clean and use them for long time. It is important to visit your dentists once every six months and get checked for signs of gum disease or irritation.