Caring for Your New Dentures: 6 Tips for a Lasting Smile

Entering the world of dentures is a big step, offering a renewed sense of confidence and oral health. However, ensuring that they stand the test of time requires dedicated care. Delve into some essential tips for maintaining your new dentures.

1. Clean Daily

Just as one would care for their natural teeth, dentures demand an even greater level of attention. Using a brush specifically designed for dentures can make a world of difference; its soft bristles and unique design are tailored to clean every curve and crevice of your dentures. 

Regular toothpaste, often formulated for natural teeth, tends to be too abrasive for dentures and can cause microscopic scratches where bacteria can thrive. A better alternative would be a denture-specific cleaner. These solutions can effectively and gently remove food particles, plaque, and any lurking bacteria.

Be careful not to drop your dentures while cleaning them!! They can break if dropped against a hard surface like the porcelain of your sink, or if accidentally dropped on a tile floor.

2. Soak Overnight

Dentures are composed of materials that can easily lose their shape when dried out. Keep them moist when not in use to ensure they maintain their integrity and fit. Overnight soaking provides an excellent solution to this. By submerging them in room-temperature water or a specialized denture-soaking solution, you ensure they stay hydrated and in their best form. 

However, always avoid soaking in hot water. Excessive heat can lead to warping, compromising the fit and function of your dentures. 

Another pitfall to avoid is having your dog or cat get ahold of your denture!! This sounds crazy but we have seen it happen and it can be very expensive. So when your denture is not in use, be sure to store it safely in a container with room temperature water or denture soaking solution.

3. Brush Your Gums

Even with dentures in place, maintaining the health of the natural components of your mouth remains paramount. In addition to caring for your new teeth, your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth deserve just as much attention. By brushing these areas every morning, you stimulate gum tissues, which can help prevent them from receding or becoming overly sensitive.

Regular brushing also aids in removing accumulated plaque, bacteria, and food particles that can hide in the nooks and crannies of your gums and tongue. Brushing can also combat bad breath, ensuring that you start your day feeling fresh and confident in your oral hygiene.

4. Rinse After Meals

Every time you finish a meal, remember that the remnants of what you've consumed may still be lingering on and between your dentures. Rinsing dentures (carefully, don't drop them!) after each meal or snack is a fundamental step in keeping them in optimal condition. By giving them a thorough rinse, you effectively flush out hidden food particles and debris, preventing potential staining and bacterial buildup. 

Furthermore, this post-meal cleanse can also aid in reducing the chances of bad breath, ensuring that your mouth feels fresh throughout the day. 

5. Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages

While dentures are designed to withstand the normal pressures of eating, certain foods can pose challenges. Very hard foods, such as nuts or some candies, may risk damaging the dentures or causing discomfort. Similarly, sticky foods, like caramels or certain types of gum, can dislodge or cling to dentures, leading to potential misalignment. 

Beverages also require attention. Be aware that consistently exposing dentures to very hot drinks can cause gradual wear and potential distortion of the denture material. 

6. Know When to Seek Help

While it's natural to experience a period of adjustment with new dentures, certain persistent symptoms shouldn't be ignored. Ongoing discomfort might signify an incorrect fit or an underlying issue that requires professional adjustment. Visible signs of damage such as cracks, breaks, or chips can compromise the structure and functionality of the dentures. These issues not only risk the integrity of the dentures but could also lead to oral complications if left unchecked by your dentist.

Embracing a future with dentures is exciting, and with consistent, proper care, they'll be a long-term companion. At Airport Road Dental Associates, our mission is to support you in this journey. Should questions or concerns arise, please don't hesitate to contact us. We encourage scheduling regular check-ups with us to keep that smile forever shining!