Dentures are a versatile solution that can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality regardless of how many natural teeth you have remaining. Even better, your new prosthetics are customized at every stage of their creation to fit like a glove and look as lifelike as possible.
With your dentures in place, you can eat, speak, and grin more confidently, but it’s important to care for it correctly to continue enjoying its many benefits. Keep reading to learn about 3 ways to preserve them!
Tip #1: Clean Them Consistently
Some people think if they’ve lost all their teeth that they no longer need to be concerned with their oral health, but nothing could be further from the truth. Your mouth is still full of bacteria that cling to your restoration and penetrate your connective tissues. This can cause gum disease can spread to your jawbone or other areas of your body and contribute to other health concerns, like diabetes or heart issues.
You should remove your dentures twice daily to thoroughly scrub all sides with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap that won’t abrade the surfaces. It’s also helpful to hold them under gently running water after meals to remove leftover bits of food or other debris that can cause plaque. Remember to use cool or room temperature water because if it’s too hot it might warp the base!
Tip #2: Don’t Sleep in Them
It can take about a month for your tongue and other supporting muscles in your mouth to acclimate to the presence of your new teeth. Once you do, you might feel so comfortable wearing them that you forget they’re there and accidentally go to bed with them inserted.
While this might be okay every now and then, it’s not usually recommended. Your dentures rely on a firm suction against your gums to remain in place all day, which can cut off the circulation to the tender tissues. That means your body has a harder time delivering essential nutrients to keep them healthy and strong, and they can develop sores. Removing your teeth at night gives your mouth a much-needed reprieve so it can heal.
Tip #3: Soak Them Overnight
Dry mouth is another good reason not to try sleeping with your dentures in. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system because it has a nearly neutral pH value to counteract potential acid damage. Plus, it rinses away unwanted particles that contribute to oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
At night, your body produces less saliva, allowing bacteria to flourish. If your dentures are left in your mouth, they can coat your prosthetics in a sticky residue that can lead to bad breath and gum disease. Fortunately, leaving your restoration to soak in a glass of water or a special cleansing solution while you sleep can kill up to 99% of germs while retaining their shape.
Taking care of your dentures correctly can keep them looking and feeling great for years to come!
Meet the Author
Dr. Alberto Lamberti has a decade of experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where he remained to complete a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry. Now, he offers a comprehensive array of services to meet all your dental needs, including dentures. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide lifelike restorations to rebuild your grin. You can request an appointment on the website or call (561) 338-7535.