Wearing dentures is an easy way to restore your smile and self-confidence while helping you speak clearly and chew. If you visit a dentist regularly and stick to the following tips to care for your new dentures, you can maximize their comfort and life-span. 

Do:

Clean your dentures regularly.

Dentists recommend removing and rinsing dentures after eating, especially with sticky foods. First, fill the sink with water to prevent breaking the dentures if you drop them. Then, clean them with a soft toothbrush to remove food particles. Brush the inside of your mouth as well, including your cheeks, tongue, and gums, to remove bacteria and food particles.

Soak them overnight.

Dentures should be soaked overnight to stay supple and comfortable. Use a denture-specific solution as recommended by your dentist, and make sure they are clean before leaving them to soak. In the morning, rinse them thoroughly to remove any cleaning solution. Denture cleaners are safe but are not meant to be ingested.

Don’t:

Ignore pain or looseness.

Dentures may take a few days or even weeks to adjust to, but they shouldn’t be painful or loose. They should be customized to fit your mouth, so talk to your dentist if they don’t feel right. As your mouth changes, dentures may need to be adjusted over time. If mouth sores occur, request an oral cream to help with pain and promote healing. 

Use abrasive oral care products.

Never use whitening toothpaste, as this can damage or the change color of your dentures. Avoid harsh toothpaste, cleansers, and stiff brushes as these may also cause problems. Do not soak or rinse them in very hot water, as this can warp the plastic plate or mouthpiece. Finally, do not soak partials with metal pieces in any solution that contains chlorine, as that can tarnish the metal. Consider using distilled water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated.

Dentures are an ideal solution for missing teeth, and Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, can help get you started. They have provided premium oral care, including dentures, partials, implants, and crowns and bridges, to the whole state for over 35 years. They also offer general and preventive dentistry to keep your mouth healthy. Call (907) 272-8422 to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.