Whether they are full or partial, dentures are a wonderful way to restore the beauty and function of your mouth after losing some of your teeth. If you’ve recently made the transition to your first set of dentures, you may be wondering how to care for them properly. You can make sure the new teeth stay stain-free, clean, and comfortable by following a few do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Remove your dentures before bedtime.

Wearing dentures for too long can lead to oral swelling, irritation, tenderness, foul odors, infections, and wounds in your mouth. Sleeping in them can also make them susceptible to inadvertent damage; they can easily become warped or slip out and fall to the floor as you sleep. Most dentures should also be soaked overnight in a dentist-approved solution to keep them clean and moist.

Have your dentist adjust them if they’re uncomfortable.

If your new dentures do not fit your mouth correctly, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to have them adjusted. Dentures that are too loose can cause irritation and sores in your mouth with repeated friction. 

Don’t:

Drop your dentures.

Always be sure to handle your dentures with care so that you don’t accidentally break or warp them. Avoid damaging them by standing over a sink filled with water or a folded towel when you need to handle them. If you do drop them, be sure to promptly take them to your dentist for repairs.

Forget to clean your dentures daily.

Just like natural teeth, your dentures require daily cleaning to prevent stains and odors. Soak your dentures in a nonabrasive cleaner and use a soft brush to clean them. Don’t forget to brush the gum grooves, especially if you use an adhesive. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and carefully to remove excess cleaner before you place them back into your mouth.

Learn more about the transition to partial, full, or custom-fitted dentures by contacting Judy Walker, DDS, in Guilford County, NC. This dental practice offers a wide range of cosmetic and family dentistry services to Greensboro and the surrounding areas, including teeth whitening and cleanings. Call (336) 275-1472 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.