If you are new to wearing dentures, it’s important to realize that they require as much care as natural teeth. This will prevent stains and damage to the unit, prolonging its life span. To maintain the look and quality of your dentures, below are a few steps to take and avoid daily.

Do:

Clean them regularly.

To prevent food and beverage residue from clinging to the nooks and crannies, remove them and rinse them off after every meal.

You should also brush them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, as harder bristles could scratch the surface or damage the attachments. If you use an adhesive, brush away the residue before applying a new layer. 

Soak them overnight. 

Wearing dentures places pressure on the gums and jawbone. Taking them out at night will let the tissues relax.

When you aren’t wearing the artificial teeth, place them in a cup of water. The dental equipment must remain moist or it may dry out and become misshapen. Make sure the water is at room temperature, as heat could cause damage.

Don’t:

Try to whiten them.

As bleach is known for removing stains, you might be tempted to use it to remove stubborn tobacco, wine, or coffee spots from the teeth. However, this harsh chemical may eat away at the materials. It could also discolor the gum part of the unit.

To prevent damage, stick to cleansers made for dentures.

Use traditional toothpaste. 

Regular toothpaste might contain hydrated aluminum oxides, calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, and phosphate salts. These ingredients are abrasive, causing scratches that allow food particles to collect in the artificial teeth.

Toothpaste products formulated for dentures don’t contain abrasive ingredients.   

If you need to be fitted for dentures or want professional advice to preserve the equipment, contact the dentists at Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. Since 1964, this clinic has been serving people of all ages in the community. For an appointment, call (907) 278-2521. Visit the office online for a list of the procedures they perform.