Dentures help many people smile with confidence and enjoy a variety of delicious foods. Though they're technically artificial teeth, you still need to care for them like real ones. To keep yours in proper condition, learn some simple strategies below.

How to Care for Your Dentures

1. Brush & Soak Them

Artificial teeth can become covered in food particles and plaque, just like real ones. To prevent this, gently brush them with a specialized brush twice a day and floss them regularly. Adding a cleaning tablet to the water they're in overnight can also help disinfect them.

2. Rinse Thoroughly

Though pastes and tablets designed for artificial teeth are made to clean them without harm, their residue can become stuck on the teeth if it isn't washed off properly. After brushing or soaking your dentures, run some warm water over them for about 30 seconds to avoid ingesting these chemicals.

3. Avoid DIY Repairs

If your dentures break or warp, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. Trying to make repairs or adjustments on your own can make the problem worse, turning a potentially simple fix into a costly and time-consuming one.

4. Handle With Care

Though dentures are strong enough to eat food, these teeth are still fragile and should be handled gently. Always lower them carefully into their holder rather than dropping them or letting them hit the sides of the container. When keeping them out for cleaning, rest them on a soft towel.

5. Store at Room Temperature

Dentures are designed to achieve a precise fit, and storing them in a hot area can cause them to warp. Not only will this impact their fit, but it puts more tension on the material and increases the chance they'll break. Always store your dentures at room temperature, and avoid closing them up in cabinets.

If you need new dentures, turn to Syracuse Straight Smiles in Liverpool, NY. This skilled team of providers has helped hundreds of people smile with confidence, and they’re ready to go to work for you. They also offer several cosmetic dentistry options, so everyone can find their perfect fit. See which is best for you by visiting them online or calling (315) 628-8373.