If you have lost one, multiple, or all of your teeth, you may be using dentures. Dentures are a strong, reliable, and functional appliance that can fill your smile with beautiful, flawless teeth, but that’s only if you properly care for it. So, to help you clean and care for your dentures, we recommend doing the following:
Brush your appliance daily
It is important that you brush your dentures daily, but do not brush them with toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive and it creates small scratches on the appliance, which is where the food particles and plaque can build up. We also strongly recommend that you avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush while cleaning. This brush will successfully clean the plaque and food particles off your appliance. It will also prevent permanent stains.
Use the proper denture cleaner
Hand soap, mild dishwashing liquid, and denture cleaner are all great cleaning supplies when it comes to washing your appliance. Please do not use household cleaners, bleach, or toothpaste to clean it. Ultrasonic denture cleaners are very popular and they do the job. They are small, bathtub-like devices that contain a cleaning solution. Simply put the cleaner in a cup of water along with your dentures and the waves and bubbles that are created will clean the appliance. However, this should not replace your brushing technique.
Take care of the dentures
When you are not wearing the appliance, it is best to keep it in a cup of denture cleaner or in a cup of water. Doing so will help maintain the shape of the dentures and it will also keep them from drying out. However, if your dentures have metal attachments, it’s better to keep them in a cup of water rather than a cup of cleaner. The cleaner can tarnish the metal.
Handle the appliance carefully
Do your best to never drop the appliance. Dropping it can cause major damage. So, when handling the dentures, stand over a folded towel or a sink that is full of water when you are taking the dentures out of your mouth or putting them back in.
If you do these four things, you are on the right track! We care for you and your smile and we want you to have the best oral appliance possible. So, if you have any questions or if you need additional tips, call our office today and talk to our friendly dental team. We are here to help you in any way we can!