Individuals missing several teeth can turn to a family dentist to restore their smile with custom, removable dentures as opposed to a fixed solution like dental implants. If you’ve recently acquired your first set of dentures, here are some on-going care recommendations to ensure your devices stay in excellent shape. 

Do:

Remove your dentures before bedtime. 

Allow your gums time to breathe by removing your dentures every evening before bedtime. Place your dentures in a cup of water or a denture solution while you sleep. It’s important to keep your dentures moist when they aren’t being worn to prevent changes in shape that can negatively impact fit and prompt brittleness that leads to breakage. 

Rinse and brush with frequency. 

Immediately following meal times, make a habit of removing your dentures and rinsing them thoroughly to remove food debris. Every morning and evening, brush your dentures as you would your normal teeth to eliminate harmful bacteria. Failure to properly cleanse your dentures can lead to bad breath, stains, and gum disease. 

Don’t:

Use abrasive toothpaste. 

Abrasive toothpaste can scratch and chip your dentures. As such, soft-bristled brushes and gentle pastes for sensitive teeth or dentures specifically is best. In addition, dentists recommend avoiding teeth whitening toothpaste or harsh bleaching products as they can cause damage and unwanted color changes that negatively impact the overall look of your smile. 

Drop your dentures. 

Clean your dentures after meals, before bed, and when you wake up in the morning. To avoid an emergency visit to the dentist to fix broken dentures, always perform this task with caution. To prevent dropping these devices on the ground or into the sink, set a towel down on the counter so there is always a safe, cushioned place to land in case there is an accident. 

If you’re looking for a family dentist that specializes in a variety of cosmetic solutions, from dentures to dental implants, Dental Clinic of Onalaska can help. Residents across La Crosse County, WI, have access to state-of-the-art care in a friendly environment. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 783-3341. For more about their specialties, financing options, and commitment to safe, stress-free dentistry, visit their website.