People who manage their finances well usually do an excellent job when it comes to taking good care of the items they invest in. From a car to a hedge trimmer, it’s always a great idea to maintain the things you spend money on. Dentures are no different, especially since they can upgrade your smile and be a quality tooth replacement option. Keep reading to learn tips from your dentist in Columbus about caring for dentures to make them last and look good.
What Should I Do When Cleaning My Dentures?
Plaque can form on dentures just as it does on natural teeth. They need to be removed daily to stay white and bright. Here are a few important points to remember when cleaning them:
- Avoid cleaning dentures with whitening toothpaste, abrasive cleaning materials, products containing bleach, and hot water.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and natural teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with mouthwash before reinserting your dentures. Remove any denture adhesive from your gums and the dentures.
- Moisten a denture brush to clean all surfaces gently in clean, warm water. Do not use a soft bristle toothbrush but consider using an electric toothbrush.
- Use a denture cleanser specifically made for this purpose.
- Rinse dentures thoroughly in warm water to remove food particles.
- Clean dentures on a towel or in a sink filled with water to avoid damage if they are dropped.
Tips on Caring for Dentures
There’s more to caring for dentures than the cleaning process. Here are some other suggestions:
- Schedule regular dental checkups to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned, plus to ensure that you maintain a secure fit.
- Never wrap your dentures in a paper towel and keep them away from children and pets.
- Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution.
- Soak dentures overnight in room-temperature water or a mild denture-soaking solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
- Remove the bottom denture by slowly pulling on it while applying a rocking motion.
- Remove the top denture by placing your thumb against your front teeth and pressing upward and outward toward your nose.
Just like any investment you make, it is smart to take care of your dentures so they last a long time, remain in good condition, and you save money in the process. If you still have questions about denture care, contact your dentist so you can rest easy knowing you are making the right moves.
About the Author
Dr. Maria Maiorino earned her dental doctorate from Temple University. Dr. Maiorino is a member of the American Dental Association and the Seattle Study Club. If you are interested in dentures, trust in Dr. Maiorino’s three-plus decades of experience and our practice is in-network with many dental insurance PPOs. Schedule a consultation on her website or call (609) 324-9500.