Dentures are a convenient and effective method for replacing missing teeth and restoring functionality to the mouth. Though dentures are made of synthetic material, that doesn’t mean they can be neglected when it comes to oral hygiene.

Like natural teeth, dentures benefit from thorough and consistent oral maintenance. Whether you’re new to dentures, or you could benefit from improving your denture maintenance habits, we’re here to provide you with the best tips and routines to keep your mouth healthy and your dentures in pristine condition.

Brushing and Flossing

When it comes to maintaining dentures, we encourage patients to treat them like their regular teeth. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice daily, preferably after every meal. However, unlike natural teeth, you should never brush your dentures with regular toothpaste.

Toothpaste formulated for natural teeth often contains abrasive materials and whitening chemicals that can dull and damage the finish of your dentures. Hard-bristled brushes can also damage false teeth.

We recommend using only a soft-bristled toothbrush with toothpaste specifically formulated for cleaning dentures. This ensures that your dentures stay glistening white for years to come.

Attend Routine Dental Checkups

Attending periodic dental checkups is necessary for our doctors at Barton Dental to ensure that your dentures are in good shape. During these checkups, your dentist will also examine your mouth for signs of gum issues or other dental complications that may need to be addressed.

Soak Your Dentures Overnight

Soaking your dentures overnight keeps them clean and helps maintain their shape. There are a variety of solutions you can use for soaking your dentures. Store-bought denture solutions are specifically formulated to eliminate bacterial buildup and prevent issues like tartar and bad breath.

While store-bought solutions are highly effective, you can also make your own denture solutions at home. Simply soaking them in undiluted white vinegar works well. To help keep your dentures white and stain-free, an occasional soak in hydrogen peroxide will also do wonders.

Remember to always soak your dentures before bed. Dentures left out to dry on the nightstand or the bathroom sink will warp and lose their shape, resulting in you needing to get a new set of dentures. You should also never soak your dentures in hot water, as the heat will distort the plastic.

Clean Your Mouth After Removing Your Dentures

Like teeth, gums accumulate bacterial buildup that can result in infection or gum disease if not routinely eliminated. To keep your mouth fresh and your dentures free from bacterial buildup, we strongly recommend removing your dentures regularly and cleaning your mouth. Rinse with an antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash at least twice a day. Additionally, use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste to brush your gums as you would your natural teeth.

Clean Your Dentures After Every Meal

While it may sound like a hassle, we recommend removing your dentures and cleaning them after eating. Your dentures aren’t natural teeth, and therefore lack the ability to fight off foreign bacteria or germs. As a result, denture wearers need to be extra vigilant about keeping their teeth clean after meals to get rid of food particles or residues that attract bacteria. This not only extends the life of your dentures but also keeps your mouth clean and your breath fresh.

Take Care of Your Dentures

The most important thing to keep in mind when caring for your dentures is that, while dentures are designed to withstand repeated use, they are still false teeth and will not hold up well if neglected. Take care of your dentures. Don’t brush them too hard, leave them exposed to the air for too long, or skip cleanings and checkups. To get the most out of your dentures, you’ll need to stay proactive about taking care of them, because they won’t take care of themselves.