Dentures are a godsend for people who have lost their teeth. It’s probably the most reliable way to get your confident smile back. But more importantly, dentures help you enjoy your favourite meal for years. They are directly linked to your overall nutrition and health.
However, dentures cannot function at their best without proper care. You need to know how to clean dentures. Regular denture care will keep your oral health in excellent shape, saving you from more frequent trips to a dental clinic.
So, how do you maintain dentures?
Let’s find out.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are essentially removable false teeth. Although not as common as they used to be, a lot of people still use dentures. According to the National Study of Adult Oral Health, 5.6% of people aged 15 years and over reported a need for dentures.
Dentures are usually required when you lose all of your teeth. Untreated dental caries or tooth decay is often the primary cause of tooth loss. Other reasons include periodontal diseases, trauma, and orthodontic extractions. However, they can bring back your smile and chewing ability.
Dentures can be either full or partial. Typically, a dental technician uses materials like acrylic, resin, nylon, metal and porcelain to craft dentures. They consist of a gum-coloured base and artificial teeth. They can snugly fit on your gums.
While dentures might take some getting used to, they are an excellent and cost-effective solution. In fact, today’s dentures are natural-looking and more comfortable than ever.
How to Clean Dentures Effectively?
Just like your natural teeth, dentures need regular cleaning. Although made from robust materials, they can wear away over time. Worn-out dentures can irritate and even injure your gums. Keeping them clean is also necessary to avoid bad breath and other oral infections.
In case you are wondering how to clean dentures, it’s a quick and easy process.
Here’s how you can do it.
1. Daily Brushing
Like brushing natural teeth, you need to brush your dentures daily. Brushing helps remove food particles and plaque from your dentures. It will also prevent staining. Use a soft bristle brush to clean the dentures. However, toothpaste is not recommended to clean dentures. Toothpaste can be very abrasive. Instead, you can use a denture cleanser, which can clean them without causing any damage.
Every night, gently brush all surfaces of your dentures. Once cleaned, keep them in water overnight.
2. Soaking Overnight
Generally, dentures can dry out and become brittle if they are not kept moist. Soak your dentures overnight to keep them hydrated. After the cleaning, you can soak them in water or a mild denture-soaking solution. You can use any over-the-counter solution or the one recommended by your dentist. This solution might help kill bacteria and prevent the growth of fungus or other harmful microorganisms. In other words, this simple step can also help improve your oral health.
3. Rinsing
Don’t put the dentures on without rising. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly under running tap water. This will remove any loose food particles and the cleaning solution. Once clean, put them back in your mouth.
4. Handling with Care
Always handle your dentures with care. When cleaning or handling dentures, hold them over a soft surface. Put a soft bathroom towel on your vanity. Use a soft brush to clean them. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on your dentures. Finally, when handling the dentures, use both hands and avoid stressing or bending the material.
5. Don’t Use Hot Water
While dentures need moisture, don’t use steam or hot water to clean them. This can cause dentures to warp or lose their shape. It can lead to poor fit and discomfort when chewing or talking. However, you can use lukewarm or room-temperature water to clean them.
6. Maintain Oral Health
Knowing how to maintain dentures alone isn’t enough. You also need to maintain your overall oral health. Clean your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush. Do this before you put your dentures on. You can also gently massage the gums with your fingers. This stimulates circulation in your tissues. It also helps remove plaque. Make sure to do it every morning.
Visit Your Dental Clinic Regularly
Visit your dental clinic regularly to have your dentures checked. Your dentist will check them to ensure a proper fit. They will also check them for signs of damage and make the necessary adjustments. During the visit, the dentist will also look at your gums. They can help you if the dentures are causing irritation, infection or any other issues.
As mentioned, dentures can take some getting used to. In the beginning, you might experience mouth irritation or sores. This irritation will typically go away as your mouth gets accustomed to the new dentures. You can try saltwater rinses to soothe the irritation. However, if the irritation persists or gets worse, visit your dental clinic immediately.
When Should You Replace Your Dentures?
When you know how to maintain dentures, they can last long. But despite proper care, your dentures will wear. Dentures will also come loose because your mouth will naturally change as you age. These changes, although minor, can cause the dentures to become loose.
Still, you might not need a replacement right away. Visit your dental clinic and consult the dentist first. Your dentist might recommend relining the dentures. This involves reshaping the base of a denture to make it fit more comfortably.
Another option is rebasing, which involves replacing the entire base. Your dentist might recommend this option if the teeth of your denture are still intact or not as worn out as the base. If none of these solutions seem feasible, you might need to get them replaced.
Conclusion
Dentures help you lead a normal life, but they need proper care. That includes regular brushing, overnight soaking, rinsing, and handling dentures with care. Avoid using hot water for cleaning dentures and maintain your overall oral health. If you face any difficulties, consult your dentist immediately.
Need help with your dentures? At Munno Para Dental Clinic, we provide full and partial dentures and other dental care. Contact us today to know more.
