Denture

Denture Care – What You’re Doing Right and Wrong

A denture can help your smile look and feel its best. But what happens when you aren’t caring for it properly? A poorly cared for denture can lead to bad breath, infection, and your appliance becoming misshapen.

How to Properly Store Dentures

The American Dental Association recommends storing your dentures in cold water or cleaning solution overnight. Solutions may prevent fungal build-up, bacteria, and foul odors. Make sure to always follow the directions on the package, and to never place your dentures in HOT water as it may can cause your appliance to warp.

Always be sure to rinse your appliance before putting them back in your mouth, especially if they have been in a cleaning solution. The chemicals in this type of solution can cause burns, pain and vomiting if swallowed.

Do

Keep your dentures moist when they aren’t in your mouth. The can dry out and lose their shape

Brush and rinse your appliances regularly like you would with your natural teeth

Place the container that holds your dentures somewhere safe where it won’t be knocked over. This will help you avoid dropping your dentures onto a hard surface where they can break.

Go back to your dentist if they no longer feel comfortable in your mouth

Don’t

Χ    Leave your dentures in overnight. This can cause bad breath and plaque build up

Χ    Place them in boiling water to clean them. This can cause them to become misshapen

Χ    Use hard bristle tooth brushes or abrasive toothpaste to clean them. Always be sure to use a denture friendly brush

Χ    Use any whitening products or bleaching agents on your appliance. This can damage them

It only takes a few minutes to clean and store your dentures every night to make sure you’ll have clean, fresh, comfortable dentures to wear the next day. Additionally, storing your dentures correctly means that you’re prolonging their life. Follow your dentist’s instructions on denture storage, and if you’re unsure about anything, ask for advice.

Please call us if you have any questions