If you’re a new dentures wearer, it’s important to understand the responsibility that comes with your new smile. Dentures are a long-term investment, and you want to ensure poor care doesn’t cut into their lifespan. The following tips are an essential part of daily care, so adopt them into your regimen.

How to Care for Your Dentures

1. Soak

You'll need to soak your dentures every night to prevent them from drying out. Fill a glass with warm water and add a denture-cleaning tablet or liquid solution. Then, submerge the prosthetics while you sleep. This practice will prevent warping—a common issue that can interfere with your dentures' fit—and it'll also help remove food particles and debris.

2. Brush & Floss

Dentures need to be treated the same as your natural teeth were, as plaque can still form on the surface, and decay-causing bacteria can wear them down. These bacteria can also cause gum irritation over time. Brush and floss your new teeth every day, and also clean the insides of the plates.

3. Handle With Care

Make sure to handle your dentures carefully when removing them or placing them into your mouth. While they're designed to last, dropping them could damage the prosthetic teeth or plates. Also, wash your hands thoroughly before handling, so you don't transfer bacteria or dirt particles from your hands.

4. Watch What You Eat

Hard foods can damage your dentures, sticky foods can pull them from the adhesive, and too many sweet and acidic foods can wear them down. Stick to soft foods when you first start wearing dentures, and move on to harder ones when you're more comfortable.

If you’re interested in exploring restorative dentistry products, Daleville Dental LLC offers a variety of solutions. This practice welcomes patients of every age from throughout Dale County, AL, addressing a number of oral health needs. Whether you’re overdue for a cleaning or require more involved services, dentist Dr. Jay Walters and his team can fulfill your oral health needs. Call (334) 598-4994 to schedule an exam, and explore the practice further by visiting their website.