If your dentist has recommended dentures for you, then it’s necessary to know how to take care of them. Knowing the proper way to clean and maintain them will ensure they last for years, and most steps are simple enough to incorporate in your standard dental care routine. Below are some helpful do’s and don’ts of denture care.

Do:

Clean them after eating.

Don’t leave food and drink residue to set and harden, or it could cause staining, erosion, corrosion, and foul odors. After every meal or snack, take them out and rinse them under warm – not hot – water, and use something soft to pick lodged food particles out of them. If desired, place a hand towel in the sink to cushion your dentures if you drop them to prevent damage.

Soak them when you’re sleeping.

Your dentures need to maintain a certain level of moisture to keep their shape. When you’re not wearing them, such as when you’re sleeping or between meals, keep them in an approved denture-cleaning solution. This will keep them from drying out, which can cause warping and make them unusable.

Don’t:

Use hot water to clean them.

While it’s important for them to stay moist, a vital part of denture care is avoiding overly hot liquids. Soaking or rinsing them off with water that’s too hot can warp them, causing a loose fit and discomfort. Let hot beverages cool slightly before drinking them, and only use warm water for denture care.

Try to clean them with bleach or chlorine.

You should only use approved denture-cleaning solutions or alternatives recommended by your dentist for cleaning your false teeth. If you try to use anything else, you risk permanently damaging your dentures or ingesting chemicals. For instance, if you use a product that contains bleach, they’ll become weakened and stained, making them susceptible to damage and unnatural in appearance. If your pair of false teeth includes metal components, chlorine can cause erosion and tarnishing, which will also weaken your dentures.

If your dentures are ruined, or you want to have your first pair made, put your trust in the staff at Tri-State Dental Care in Fort Wright, KY. Serving all of Northern Kentucky and surrounding areas for over 20 years, their comprehensive services include general, preventive, cosmetic, family, and urgent dental care. Their state-of-the-art facility is advanced, welcoming, and professional, with an elite dentistry team. They offer free consultations over the phone and deliver a great experience every visit. View their services online, then call (859) 426-2790 for a consultation.