If you wear dentures, you want to keep them clean and in good shape, so they'll stay comfortable, attractive, and functional. Doing this requires daily care, as well as regular follow-up appointments with your dentist. To extend the life of your dentures, here are a few steps to take.

How to Care for Your Dentures

1. Rinse After Eating

The shorter the time food debris is allowed to sit on your dentures, the less their moving parts will get damaged and accumulate plaque. Take your dentures out and rinse them after every meal and snack.

2. Brush Daily

Just like your natural teeth, your dentures need to be brushed. Your dentist can help you choose an appropriate soft-bristled brush and a toothpaste designed for dentures. Don't use ordinary teeth cleaning toothpaste, as this can sometimes be too abrasive to the material.

3. Plan Regular Fittings

Over time, your mouth changes, and your dentures also wear out. Regular visits to the dentist for fittings and denture adjustments will keep them comfortable and secure. Schedule this appointment about once a year or whenever you notice a problem with the way the dentures fit.

4. Clean Your Dentures & Your Mouth

When you take out the dentures for a cleaning, don't forget to scrub your tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth. Any bacteria, plaque, or food in these areas will stick to your newly cleaned dentures as soon as you put them in.

5. Soak Overnight

Every night, remove the dentures and soak them in a container of liquid denture cleanser. This will help give them a deep cleaning and kill off any bacteria. In the morning, rinse them thoroughly with water before putting them in for the day.

For help maintaining your dentures, make an appointment with Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Wisconsin. Since 1993, dentist Mike Olsen has offered La Crosse County attentive and personalized care, offering services ranging from basic cleanings and teeth whitening to dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 783-3341, or visit them online to learn more about their services.