Dentures need as much care as natural teeth. Daily brushing and soaking are essential to prevent plaque buildup and to keep dentures looking their best. Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria, acid and food particles. If not removed from dentures, it can spread to natural teeth and gums and cause gum disease and tooth decay, create mouth odour, promote infection and irritate the tissues under your dentures.
Dentures are fragile and can break if dropped. When handling them, stand over a folded towel or a basin of water. When not wearing them, keep dentures away from children and pets. Leave dentures in cool water or a denture solution when they are not in your mouth. Hot water may cause dentures to warp.
When you remove your dentures, rinse your mouth to remove any bits of food or other debris. Massage your gums morning and evening with a soft-bristled toothbrush, a washcloth or your finger.
Dentures, like natural teeth, need to be brushed every day to keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. Regular brushing also prevents your dentures from becoming permanently stained. Use a brush specially designed to clean dentures or a regular soft-bristled toothbrush. Stiff-bristled brushes can scratch your dentures, as can powdered household cleansers. You can use hand soap, mild dishwashing liquid, mildly abrasive toothpaste or denture paste. First, rinse your dentures to remove debris. Wet the brush and apply the paste, brushing every surface gently. Brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft brush every morning before you put your dentures back in. Remaining teeth should be brushed with a separate toothbrush and flossed as recommended.
Your dentures should be removed while you sleep, or for six to eight hours during the day to allow your gums to air out and rest. While your dentures are out, soaking them can remove or loosen light stains and deposits and get rid of plaque microorganisms that remain after brushing. You can soak them in a half-white-vinegar, half-water solution or a denture cleanser. If your dentures have metal clasps, use only water.
Although dentures are widely markets, they should only be used to provide extra hold for dentures that fit properly, not for dentures that fit poorly. Loose dentures are a sign that they need to be relined or rebased because of changes in the bone or gums. Small amounts of powder-type adhesive may help in some cases, but only a dentist should make this determination. Poorly fitted dentures held in place by adhesives can lead to severe mouth problems. If your dentures feel loose or are not comfortable, see your dentist immediately.
Avoid denture reliners and repair kits. Relining or adjusting dentures should be done by a dentist, as should repair of cracked or chipped dentures. You risk mouth problems and injuries by attempting reapirs yourself.
