How to Care for Your Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing natural teeth. Dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely. Once in place, a denture will allow you to eat and speak normally.

Caring for your dentures means more than just cleaning them. It also means taking proper care of your remaining teeth, tongue, gums, and cheeks.

With that being said, here are some tips that will help you care for your dentures:

Wear Your Partial Denture Like An Appliance

Once your partial denture is fitted properly by your dentist, you should wear it like a regular appliance instead of removing it when you eat. Doing so will help you avoid discomfort and pain caused by “denture sore spots” or areas on your tissues that are missing your teeth.

Remove Your Full Denture Every Night

You should remove and clean your full denture every night while you sleep. Keeping your dentures in a clean environment overnight will help prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to bad breath and oral infections. Once you remove your dentures, you can use a denture cleanser to gently brush them and the tissue underneath. Then rinse them and place them in a container filled with water or a denture solution to keep them moist.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly

Because you will lose some of your own teeth while wearing dentures, you will need to take extra care when brushing and flossing. Even if you have a partial denture, you should be brushing your gums and natural teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. In addition, be sure to floss at least once per day to remove food and plaque between teeth. And if you have a full denture, consider investing in a water flosser to clean your mouth more thoroughly.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly for Professional Cleanings

Another important aspect of taking care of your dentures is regular checkups with your denturist. They’ll be able to assess the health of your dentures and offer professional cleanings as needed.

Scheduling an appointment with a dentist on a routine basis is extremely important. Even the best at-home oral care regimen can’t always combat plaque and tartar buildup completely. Professional cleanings can leave your teeth and gums feeling great again.

Avoid Some Foods

Some foods and drinks should be avoided when you have dentures. Sticky foods such as caramels or hard candies can bend and break your dentures. Hot beverages such as coffee or hot tea can warp the plastic and cause extensive damage to the appliance. It’s best to avoid these foods altogether if possible. If you do indulge in a sugary dessert, be sure to clean your mouth thoroughly afterward to avoid any damage to your dentures.

You’ll also need to change your eating habits to ensure you eat a proper diet while you wear dentures. Try to eat soft foods that are easy to chew. Cut your food up into small bites so you’ll be able to chew it more easily.

If you have any questions about our dental services, call our experienced dentist in Katy, TX, at (281) 271-5100 to schedule an appointment at our dental office located at 6940 Katy-Gaston Rd Suite 200, Katy, TX 77494.