When people are first fitted with dentures, they’re uncertain about what they need to do to keep their new set of teeth in good shape. Because dentures are completely removable and aren’t susceptible to tooth decay, many people assume that they don’t need to care for them the same way they would their own teeth. However, dentures require a little more maintenance than most people realize.

How to Care for Your Dentures

1. Keep Them Clean 

Just like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate food particles and bacteria that will continue to damage the oral tissues of your mouth. Additionally, dentures that haven’t been cleaned properly tend to develop bad odors. To avoid bad breath and a poor taste in your mouth, brush them daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soak them overnight in an antibacterial solution made for bridgework.

2. Handle Dentures Carefully

Your dentures are at the greatest risk for being damaged when you are handling them. If dropped, they can chip or suffer full-scale fractures. When you remove them, be careful and don’t rush. To be safe, try to handle them only when you are standing over a carpet or other soft surface.

3. Report Fit Issues

Whenever you lose teeth, your jaw tissue will start to resorb, so the way your dentures fit today might not be the way they fit a few years from now. However, wearing a poor-fitting pair of dentures could speed bone loss. If they no longer feel right, report the fit issue to your dentist immediately. Small adjustments will make it easier for you to talk and chew, and well-fit dentures last longer, as they’re exposed to less pressure during use.

If you need advice or care, Robert A Klement, DMD, can help with everything from dentures to routine dental cleanings to serious procedures. With more than 30 years of experience, this service-oriented dentist is focused on making your next experience as comfortable as possible. For more information about his practice, explore his website or call (715) 421-3030 to schedule an appointment today.