America’s renowned first president George Washington famously wore false teeth made from ivory, but these primitive prosthetics were mostly for appearances. They restored none of the man’s chewing ability and developed a foul odor due to the lackluster cleaning methods available at the time. Thankfully, modern dentures are functional and beautiful restorations that can be kept presentable and sanitary for years if they receive proper maintenance. Here’s how to keep your appliance looking great and in biting shape.
Why Is Proper Denture Care Important?
While your dentures will be incredibly comfortable after you get used to them, wearing them continuously will restrict the circulation in your gums and lead to unpleasant buildups of plaque, food debris, and sugary residue beneath the appliance. While this accumulation can lead to unsightly stains as well as nasty odors, it can also cause soft tissue irritation and oral infections that erode the jawbone and ruin the way the appliance fits.
Remove Your Dentures for Eight Hours Daily
To prevent these issues, remove your dentures and soak them in water or an approved cleaning agent for eight hours a day so your mouth can rest and clean itself. Soaking the appliance will keep it moist and prevent it from warping, which can ruin the way it fits and make an expensive replacement necessary. Most patients do this before bed so they can sleep while their dentures soak. Just remember to thoroughly rinse your appliance before placing it back in your mouth since denture soaking solutions are not meant for human consumption.
Clean Your Dentures Every Day
It’s also crucial to thoroughly brush and floss your dentures at least once a day to eliminate accumulations of plaque and food residue. Before removing your dentures for hygiene, fill the basin of your sink with lukewarm water and place folded towels across your countertop to create a cushion in case you drop them. Then, carefully brush the acrylic bases and each tooth with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive toothpaste or mild hand soap before flossing the spaces between the teeth. Many people do this before soaking their appliances for the night.
Don’t let poor denture hygiene lead to nasty oral infections as well as a short lifespan for your appliance. Consulting with your prosthodontist can help you find the best way to keep your device clean and in working order.
About the Practice
Advanced Prosthodontics & Implant Esthetics restores the smiles of the Naples community. Led by Drs. Randold Binns and Eugenio Aquino, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys courteous and compassionate treatment while maintaining a clean and welcoming office. Areas of expertise include cosmetic dentistry, sedation treatments, TMJ therapy, emergency care, and denture services. For more information on proper denture care, contact the office online or dial (239) 775-2455.