Not only do dentures allow you to eat most foods again, but they also play a large part in restoring self-confidence by giving you back a smile that you can be proud of. Since this dental solution is a large investment, it’s wise to care for dentures to preserve their functionality. Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember when taking care of your dentures to ensure you get the most amount of use from them.

Do:

Handle them with care.

Dentures are generally made from acrylic resin and metal, which makes them fragile. If you drop them, they will break. A trick to avoid any untimely accidents is to wrap them in a clean towel when you’re not using them. That way, if you do happen to drop them, the towel should buffer the fall.

Practice good dental hygiene.

Even though you may now wear dentures, the rest of your mouth still needs a high level of oral care. When you remove your dentures, softly brush your gums to remove any bacteria that may have accumulated in the plates throughout the day. Then, brush your tongue and cheeks to promote fresh breath. Next, soak the plates in a denture-approved solution to sterilize the surface. 

Don’t:

Brush your dentures with whitening toothpaste.

Whitening toothpaste can be abrasive to your dentures. The chemicals can deteriorate the enamel and promote deterioration. Even regular toothpaste may be too abrasive. Instead, purchase dentist-approved cleanser specifically designed to keep your dentures gleaming and clean. 

Try to repair broken dentures yourself.

Never try to repair your dentures yourself—always make an appointment with a dental professional if you crack or chip your set. You could end up inadvertently damaging them or making them ill-fitting if you attempt to fix them using an at-home kit. This will compromise your bite, making them uncomfortable and unsafe to use.

The team at Preventive Dental Services PC in Homer, AK, create and maintain beautiful smiles. These professional dentists provide an array of services, including denture fittings, teeth whitening, implants, bonding, crowns, fillings, extractions and bridges. Additionally, they conduct oral wellness exams and screenings. Call (907) 235-1286 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to browse their services.