Tips For Denture Care & Maintenance
Caring for your dentures is as important as caring for your natural teeth. To make your dentures last as long as possible, it is important to make sure you are taking care of them properly.
In this latest blog update from All Smiles Denture Clinic, we are sharing some tips on how to clean and look after your dentures, as well as answering some frequently asked questions about denture care like:
Why is it important to take care of dentures?
How should I clean my dentures daily?
Why is soaking dentures important?
How can I remove stubborn stains from my dentures?
Why You Should Look After Your Dentures
Neglecting denture care can lead to stains, discolouration, and calculus build-up. And it isn’t just about how they look, unclean dentures can attract harmful bacteria, leading to mouth infections, bad breath, and causing your dentures to not last as long as they should.
Like most things in life, if you look after it as best you can, it will last longer! Dentures are not cheap or easy to replace, so we encourage all of our clients to take very good care of their dentures.
How To Clean Your Dentures
Now that you know why it is important to look after and clean your dentures, let’s explore some of the best ways to keep them clean!
Regular Brushing
Just like your natural teeth, dentures need daily brushing. This not only gets rid of food particles and plaque but also keeps bacteria at bay. Regular brushing ensures your dentures stay clean, fresh, and odour-free.
Tips for Cleaning your Dentures
Do not use toothpaste when brushing your dentures. Using toothpaste to clean your dentures can cause damage as it is too abrasive and can remove the enamel and colour from them.
We recommend that you clean your dentures twice daily using mild soap or dishwashing liquid.
You should also use denture brushes that are specifically made for denture cleaning. These brushes are gentle and effective. You can buy denture brushes from our reception desk.
The Importance of Soaking Your False Teeth
Remember to soak your dentures whenever they're not in use. This keeps them from drying out and warping, which is key to maintaining their comfortable fit.
Deep Cleaning with Ultrasonic Cleaners
For a thorough denture clean, consider using an ultrasonic cleaner. These small, affordable devices use high-frequency sound waves to blast away every speck of dirt and bacteria. It's a fantastic way to extend the life and cleanliness of your dentures, ensuring they're as hygienic as they can be. You can get your ultrasonic denture cleaner from our reception desk.
Denture Maintenance Tips
Handle Dentures With Care
Using a towel underneath while cleaning provides a safety net against accidental drops, potentially saving your dentures from costly damage or the need for denture repairs.
Rinse Your Dentures After Meals
Rinsing dentures after meals is a quick and effective way to remove food and maintain dental hygiene. Remember to rinse your mouth as well. You wouldn't want to put your rinsed denture in a mouth full of food build-up.
Avoid Certain Habits
Habits like smoking and drinking tea or coffee not only increase staining risk but also can affect the overall health of your mouth. Limiting these habits can significantly improve the longevity and appearance of your dentures. It goes without saying that taking care of your overall health will greatly improve your oral health,
Avoid Denture Stains
Some foods and drinks can stain dentures. It’s best to eat or drink these in moderation to keep your denture’s colour. You should also immediately rinse your denture and mouth after consuming these.
Coffee and tea
Red wine
Cola and other carbonated drinks
Foods with turmeric such as curries
Foods with dark sauces, tomato-based sauces, and soy sauce
Berries and fruit juices
Beetroot
Balsamic vinegar
Oral Hygiene
Just because you have dentures doesn’t get you out of cleaning your mouth! Maintaining oral hygiene is key, cleaning your gums, cheeks, and tongue is just as important as cleaning the dentures themselves.
Our Denture Repair Services
When your dentures need a fix, whether from an accident or just regular wear and tear, All Smiles Denture Clinic is your go-to solution. We understand how important your dentures are for smiling, eating, and speaking. That's why we're committed to getting them back in shape quickly, so you're not without them for long.
Our Denture Repair Solutions
We offer comprehensive denture repair services for all kinds of denture problems. Whether it's a minor chip that's bugging you or a serious break affecting how they work, we've got you covered. Our team is all about the details, ensuring your fixed dentures blend seamlessly with your natural teeth in both colour and shape.
We focus on comfort too, making sure your dentures feel great and restore not just their function but your confidence in them.
Quick Repair Appointments
We know denture repairs can't wait. That's why we have daily slots set aside just for repairs, so when something goes wrong, you're not left waiting and without teeth. Our goal is to get your dentures back to you ASAP, because we understand how important they are for your day-to-day life.
Fast Denture Repairs
No matter the repair, big or small, our skilled team works quickly to get your dentures back to you. We offer fast denture repair services, regardless of repair complexity. Our clinic is loaded with the latest gear, so most repairs happen right here, often on the same day. This means you're back to your routine with minimal interruption.
FAQs About Denture Care and Maintenance
Why is it important to take care of dentures?
Taking care of your dentures is essential to prevent stains, bacteria build-up, and oral health issues. It also helps your dentures to last longer and stay comfortable.
How should I clean my dentures every day?
It's best to give your dentures a gentle cleaning daily. Use a soft brush and a mild denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste, it's too harsh). Brush all the parts, even the bits that touch your gums, to get rid of food bits and plaque.
Do I need to take my dentures out before bed?
Definitely. It's a good idea to give your gums a break by taking out your dentures at night. This also helps prevent infections and sore spots. Just let them soak in a denture cleaning solution or plain water while you sleep.
Is hot water bad for cleaning my dentures?
Do not use hot or boiling water for cleaning. It can cause your dentures warp and shrink, losing their shape and messing up the fit. Stick to warm or cool water.
What's the best way to handle and store my dentures when I'm not wearing them?
Be careful when handling your dentures, dropping them can cause damage. When you're not wearing them, keep them soaked in a cleaning solution or water. Just make sure they're in a safe spot away from pets and little ones.
Are there specific cleaning agents I should use for dentures?
Yes, you can find denture cleaning agents at your local pharmacy or supermarket. If you aren’t sure what you should be using for cleaning your dentures, get in touch with our denture experts.
Why is soaking dentures important?
Soaking dentures when not in use helps them maintain their shape and prevents your dentures from drying out. This keeps your dentures clean and comfortable.
What are ultrasonic cleaners, and how do they help with denture care?
Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to remove debris and bacteria effectively, providing a deep clean and enhancing denture hygiene. You can get your own ultrasonic denture cleaner from our reception desk.
How can I remove stubborn stains from my dentures?
Regular maintenance can help prevent stains, but for stubborn ones, you may want to consider professional cleaning services to restore their colour.
What precautions should I take while handling and cleaning dentures?
Read this blog post to learn everything you need to know about handling and cleaning your dentures.
Is it necessary to rinse dentures after meals?
Yes, it is. Rinsing your dentures after meals removes food particles, reducing plaque build-up and maintaining oral hygiene.
How do certain habits like smoking and coffee consumption affect dentures?
Smoking and coffee can increase staining and impact oral health. Moderation of these habits can improve denture longevity and appearance.
Why is overall oral hygiene important for denture wearers?
Maintaining oral hygiene, including cleaning gums, cheeks, and tongue, creates a healthy environment for dentures and ensures overall oral health.
What should I avoid using to clean my dentures?
It is best to avoid toothpaste, harsh and abrasive chemicals, as well as teeth whitening, bleach, or hot water.
How long can you leave your dentures soaking for?
You can leave your dentures soaking overnight, but we wouldn’t recommend leaving your dentures soaking for longer than 12 hours.
Your Sunshine Coast Denture Experts
Following these tips will help you to keep your dentures in the best condition possible! However, it is still possible for accidents to happen. If your dentures are damaged and in need of repair, contact the Sunshine Coast denture repair experts at All Smiles Denture Clinic today!
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Don’t miss out on the latest updates, news, and denture tips and facts from All Smiles Denture Clinics. Stay tuned to our blog page for the latest updates.
Author - Darius Northey, Dental Prosthetist