Everything You Need to Know About Denture Care

No matter what kind of dental problems you had in your lifetime, it’s hard to deny that losing teeth is among the most inconvenient ones of the bunch. But thanks to hundreds of years of medical advancements, doctors have come up with devices such as dentures to save your smile. In fact, according to research, dentures are so popular that over 40 million people are wearing them. 

 

Even though dentures are false teeth made from acrylic or metal, it’s crucial to clean them regularly. And while brushing is a good start, denture care involves a few extra steps you need to take in order to maintain your dentures and good oral health. 

 

What Are Dentures? 

 

Dentures are medical devices that can replace missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding tissue or other teeth. They are usually made of metal or acrylic, the biggest difference between the two being durability. Generally speaking, metal dentures are more durable, while their acrylic counterparts are better looking. Nevertheless, dentures are usually durable and can withstand most foods. 

 

What Types of Dentures Exist?

 

Depending on how many teeth a person is missing, the doctor can choose between different types of dentures. From partial to complete dentures, it’s important to understand each type before you attempt to clean them.

Partial Dentures 

 

Partial dentures (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial) are used when there is at least one natural tooth left in the upper or lower jaw. Their primary purpose is to fill the place created by missing teeth while also preventing teeth movement. When it comes to design, partial dentures consist of a pink plastic base that houses the false teeth. And while some partial dentures can be removed for cleaning, others are attached using a special compound or metal framework system.

 

Complete Dentures

 

Complete dentures are perfect for people that are missing all their teeth. They can either be placed immediately after teeth extraction or a few months along the way, depending on the gum’s structural integrity. However, it’s important to note that dentures can’t prevent bone loss, no matter how early you get them. That’s because they don’t put enough pressure on the bone to stimulate its growth. 

 

Denture Implants

 

Denture implants are usually the best of both worlds, combining implants’ durability with dentures’ good looks. The main difference between denture implants and similar devices is their design, as they involve a denture that uses two to four implants to keep it in place. As a result, patients can easily remove the denture whenever they need to for cleaning or other purposes. In fact, most doctors recommend denture implants as a better alternative to complete dentures. They are also perfect for people that have problems with their traditional dentures slipping or falling. 

 

Why Is Denture Care Important?

 

As previously mentioned, even though dentures are not natural teeth, they still require good oral hygiene. Without regular cleaning, bacteria and plaque can build up and increase the chance of gum disease. That can lead to bad breath, infections, and eventually tooth loss. Additionally, a lack of proper hygiene can damage the dentures’ structural integrity and reduce their durability and lifespan.

 

What Is the Best Way to Clean Dentures?

 

The first thing you need to understand is that the cleaning method varies depending on the dentures you have. For example, you can clean removable dentures thoroughly inside and outside, while you can only brush permanent dentures. 

As a general rule of thumb, you should brush your dentures similar to how you brush your natural teeth. That way, you will prevent or even remove plaque and bacteria while also maintaining their original whiteness. However, keep in mind that toothpaste can be abrasive, meaning that it can damage the surface of dentures. You can instead use a soft toothbrush specially designed to prevent scratches or cracks.

 

What About Removable Dentures?

 

When it comes to removable dentures, you must clean them daily before sleep or whenever you remove them says this cosmetic dentist in Paramus. To do that, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water. Additionally, you should soak your dentures in warm water or a special soaking solvent overnight. And remember never to let your dentures dry entirely, as it can make them lose their shape and even become more brittle. 

How Often Should I Clean My Dentures?

 

Most dentists recommend that you clean your dentures at least once a day, even twice if you have the time. Our advice is to brush them in the morning after waking up and in the evening before sleep. Besides that, you should also brush your gums and tongue twice a day to remove any bacteria and prevent bad breath. 

 

Denture Care Tips

 

Although brushing and cleaning your denture is important, there are a few other things you can do to maintain it:

Avoid Hot Water: Heat can alter your dentures’ shape, so you should avoid soaking them in hot water. Instead, you can use lukewarm water to remove bacteria and plaque.

Floss: If you have partial dentures, you can floss your remaining teeth to eliminate any leftover food.

Morning Denture Rinse: You should always rinse your dentures in the morning, especially if you let them soak in solvent overnight.

Regular Dentist Checks: Visit your dentist regularly in order to check for any scratches or cracks in your dentures.

Handle With Care: While most dentures are usually durable, you still need to be careful when removing them, as even a single drop can end up damaging your dentures.

Final Thoughts

 

All in all, having good oral hygiene is essential, no matter if you have dentures or not. From brushing to regular dentist visits, there is a lot you can do to maintain a beautiful smile. And if you end up getting dentures, then you can simply follow some of the same recommendations you did before. However, you might need to change some habits, such as using toothpaste, in order to take good care of your dentures.

 

Overall, while dentures can be a hassle for some people, they are the best way to fix missing teeth. And with just a bit of extra care, you can increase the lifespan of your dentures by a few more years.