How Often to Perform Denture Care

How Often to Perform Denture Care from My Saratoga Dentist PLLC in Saratoga Springs, NYFor patients with dentures, proper denture care is necessary for preserving the life of these appliances and keeping them looking clean and attractive. Like natural teeth, dentures are prone to a buildup of plaque and food debris. With the right care, these prosthetic teeth will retain their shape and look their best.

What denture care is necessary?

Just like natural teeth, dentures need daily care. There are a few steps that need to be taken for proper oral hygiene each day.

Brushing

At a minimum, patients with dentures should brush them at least once per day. However, it is important not to use toothpaste. Toothpaste is designed as an abrasive to clean natural teeth. When used on dentures, it can cause very small scratches where plaque, bacteria and food debris can collect.

Instead, it is a good idea to use a special soft-bristled denture brush with a cleaner designed for dentures. Denture cleaning agents can be harmful if ingested, so patients should rinse dentures with clean water before replacing them.

Dentures are fragile, so it is also wise to place a towel or washcloth in the sink when brushing. If a patient drops the appliance by accident, this will cushion the fall and reduce the risk of the dentures breaking.

Rinsing

In some cases, patients may not be able to thoroughly brush with denture cleaner after each meal, and it is not necessary to use this agent multiple times per day. Instead, most dental professionals recommend thoroughly rinsing dentures with water after eating. Rinsing removes any leftover food particles and helps reduce the risk of plaque buildup.

Soaking

Depending on the type of dentures used, patients may have different instructions for overnight care. Most dentures, however, need to be soaked every night. Soaking helps dentures retain their shape. If they become too dry, dentures may not fit properly.

Soaking in plain water may be acceptable for some dentures, and others may need to soak in a special solution designed for the purpose. Just like denture cleaner, a denture-soaking solution may be damaging to delicate gum tissues. For patients using a soaking agent, it is important to rinse the dentures with water before placing them in the mouth. If denture-soaking or denture-cleaning solutions make contact with mouth tissues, it can cause burning, vomiting or mouth pain.

What happens if dentures are not cared for properly?

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Denture Care in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Denture care can sometimes be inconvenient. Nevertheless, if dentures are neglected, serious problems may occur. Some patients frequently sleep in their dentures. Doing so can result in increased bacterial buildup, which may cause bad breath. If done frequently, sleeping with dentures installed may cause infections.

If dentures are not cleaned thoroughly, plaque may build up. Just like plaque on natural teeth, plaque on dentures will harden and make it easier for bacteria to grow.

For patients new to dentures, dentists will typically go over the right way to care for both the appliance and the gums. Spending some time without wearing dentures, usually while sleeping, is necessary to give gums a rest and promote oral health.

Conclusion

With consistent daily denture care, a patient's dental appliance will likely last many years. For patients unsure of how to properly care for their dentures, contacting a dental office for advice is a wise course of action.

Request an appointment or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at 518-675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

Recent Posts

Dental Restoration Or Cosmetic Dental Procedure

There appears to be some overlap between dental restorations and cosmetic dentistry. However, people need to know the difference between the two because dental insurance may cover a dental restoration but not a cosmetic procedure. This article examines the key differences between the two types of dentistry and provides examples of each.The primary difference between…

How To Maintain Your Dental Restoration For A Long-Lasting Smile

A dental restoration can improve your appearance and dental health. Your dentist can help you prepare for your procedure. The consultation can also tell you how you should care for your new smile. Here are the details if you want to know how to maintain your dental restoration for lasting results.Some fluoride treatments and toothpaste…

Aftercare Tips For Common Dental Restorations

A dental restoration can repair your teeth and improve your smile. Following the recommended aftercare instructions is important to ensure the results last as long as possible. Whether you are getting a filling, a root canal, or a tooth pulled, slacking on aftercare can lead to pain and discomfort. Save yourself some trouble and avoid…

Recent Posts

Dental Restoration Or Cosmetic Dental Procedure

Dental Restoration Or Cosmetic Dental Procedure

There appears to be some overlap between dental restorations and cosmetic dentistry. However, people need to know the difference between the two because dental insurance may cover a dental restoration but not a cosmetic procedure. This article examines the key differences between the two types of dentistry and provides examples of each.The primary difference between…

How To Maintain Your Dental Restoration For A Long Lasting Smile

How To Maintain Your Dental Restoration For A Long-Lasting Smile

A dental restoration can improve your appearance and dental health. Your dentist can help you prepare for your procedure. The consultation can also tell you how you should care for your new smile. Here are the details if you want to know how to maintain your dental restoration for lasting results.Some fluoride treatments and toothpaste…