Dentures are prosthetics for missing teeth, or even a singular tooth, and are made of porcelain, metal or acrylic plastic. However, just like natural teeth, dentures need to be looked after to ensure they stand the test of time. It is also important to care for them in order to maintain good oral health.
Denture care is something that needs to be done regularly to keep them clean, and to give your gums and bones the chance to rest from wearing the dentures. Read on to understand how you should be caring for your dentures properly, particularly at night.
Nighttime is the Best Time for Denture Care
The confidence you feel when wearing dentures may make it alluring to keep them on 24/7, but it is important to take them off regularly for complete denture care. Removing your dentures is necessary to properly clean them; otherwise, they may accumulate harmful bacteria and lead to an infection. After removing your dentures, you should brush and clean them with a denture cleanser, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
The next step is to soak your dentures overnight. Most types of dentures lose their shape if not kept moist, so soaking them overnight is the best way to care for dentures. To do so, you may use clean tap water or distilled water, or use a mild cleansing solution for the best results.
Denture rinsing is an important step before wearing them again the next day, especially when you use a cleansing solution. This helps in getting rid of chemicals in the solution which could potentially irritate your soft mouth tissue. Be sure to avoid using hot water for any of these steps, since it may warp and distort your dentures’ fit.
If you are unsure about the solution to use, or how to care for your specific dentures, our dentists at Direct Denture Care can help you with denture care instructions.
Caring for Your Dentures Through the Day
While following the proper steps at night is important for denture care, it is also important to take care of them through the day by taking a few precautionary measures. Dentures are fragile and must be treated as such, whether that may mean keeping them out of the reach of children or pets, or not setting them down directly on a hard surface, and using a soft cloth or towel as a cushion instead. Similarly, the use of toothpicks must be avoided when wearing dentures, as they may damage them.
One should also be mindful of consuming foods that may stain like coffee, tea and red wine. Smoking can also discolour your dentures. Reducing the consumption of such foods can go a long way in avoiding discolouration of your dentures, and taking some extra time to clean any stains at night can help too. Finally, you should also visit your dentist or prosthetist at least once a year so they can clean and polish your dentures, and even check for any potential issues with them.
It’s Not Just About the Dentures
There exists a symbiotic relationship between your dentures and your oral hygiene, so while caring for your dentures is necessary, so is the general upkeep of your oral hygiene. In cases where you don’t have complete dentures to replace all your teeth, brushing your natural teeth and flossing properly and regularly is a surefire way of maintaining good oral health. This reduces the possibility of any bacteria affecting your dentures, hence contributing to longer lasting dentures. Brushing your gums is important too so as to improve the blood circulation. You should also be rinsing your mouth every time you take off your dentures to get rid of any trapped food or bacteria.
Get in Touch Today!
At Direct Denture Care, we understand the subtleties that come with complete denture care. New denture care instructions can be daunting when you are still getting used to them, so we endeavour to make it a much more comfortable transition, and guide you along the way. Whether you need new dentures, need to clean your current set, or just need assistance in picking the right denture care kit, we have you covered. Call us on (08) 9440 1540 if you have any queries or would like to book a consultation.
