Guide to Denture Care: Long Lasting Dentures

I used to watch my grandmother brush her dentures every night and place them in a special container with a cleaning solution. It looked strange that she could take her teeth out and put them back into her mouth whenever she liked. I found it even stranger that she handled her dentures with such care, even though they weren't "real." It was sometime after this, I realized there were far more people who had dentures.

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements for your natural teeth. Complete and partial dentures are available, as well as conventional or immediate dentures.

Immediate dentures are made before the removal or loss of teeth, so there is no period of time when you are toothless. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth are no longer in place and ready for use 8 to 12 weeks later. This is the average amount of time it takes for the gums to heal.

Brushing your teeth

Just like your natural teeth, it's important to brush your dentures daily. This is to help remove plaque and food. It will also help to decrease and prevent stains from foods or drinks, as well as denture odor from plaque buildup.

Fill your sink with water or line it with a soft towel. Dentures are breakable, and this will minimize chances of breaking your dentures if they are dropped.

Choose a soft bristled brush that is specific to dentures and brush gently. A hard bristled brush can wear down and damage the dentures. Brush with ease so you don't damage the plastic or attachments, as well. Use warm or cool water to brush your dentures, but never use hot water because it can warp your dentures.

Unless told by your dentist, do not use bleach, vinegar or regular toothpaste on your dentures. A mild dish soap can be used, but rinse them thoroughly before placing them in a container or glass. Don't forget to brush your tongue, gums and palate, also.

How to soak them

You should soak your dentures each night. Dentures must stay moist because they will dry out and lose their shape otherwise. There are several commercially sold products available to use as soaking solutions. If you use a soaking solution, rinse the dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. The chemicals in the soaking solutions are harsh and can cause burns and vomiting.

How long do they last?

If your dentures are cared for properly, they can last for quite some time. You should see your dentist every six months to have them professionally cleaned and examined. During this time, your dentist will make sure you have a proper fit to prevent slippage.

Sources: WebMD
Mayo Clinic
Denture Help