Dentures are dental appliances fitted in the mouth as a replacement for missing teeth and the tissues surrounding the teeth.

Dentures are available in two types – complete and partial. The best option is suggested to the patient according to the condition of the teeth, after being observed closely by a dental professional. Complete dentures are suggested when a whole set of teeth is affected and has to be replaced. Partial dentures are suggested when one or two teeth are missing and have to be replaced.

Dentures require proper care and maintenance. They can last a very long time if they are taken care of properly. Let us try to understand how.

Clean dentures after eating

Dentures should be kept clean and hygienic especially after eating. They should be removed from the mouth after eating and should be rinsed with the help of running water. This will help to remove debris and food particles.

A gentle toothbrush should be used to clean the dentures and they should be placed on a clean surface. They should be brushed gently and in circular motions, along with checking to see that no food particles remain stuck in small nooks and crannies.

Also, make sure that the adhesive used to place the dentures in the mouth is also cleaned off regularly. Else, the adhesive can dry up and form a sticky film that breeds bacteria. The patient can also go the extra mile and soak the dentures overnight for better cleaning.

They should be brushed twice daily by removing them from the teeth. Keeping them clean like this helps them to last long and also helps prevents bacterial build-up.  

Regular dental check-ups

Patients are recommended to get their teeth checked at least a few times a year. The dentist will look into any existing problems of the mouth and will suggest appropriate treatment.

The teeth may also be cleansed professionally during such dent visits. Such regular dental check-ups ensure that the mouth is not hosting a build-up of bacteria and the oral health of the patient is up to the mark.

The dentist will also examine the dentures to see if they are working properly. The patient can let the dentist know if he wants some changes or is facing issues in using dental dentures. 

Clean the mouth after removing dentures

Dentures are supposed to be cleansed after wearing them. When the patient decides to remove the dentures for cleaning or sleeping, the mouth must be thoroughly cleansed. This can help prevent bacterial build-up in the mouth. The dentures must be cleansed as well.

The patient is advised to be gentle with the gums and the surrounding tissues. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and antibacterial toothpaste will help in gently cleaning the mouth. If the patient is uncomfortable using a toothbrush, sterile gauze can also be used to clean the mouth. It should be wrapped around the finger and should be rubbed against the wall of the roof of the mouth the surface of the gums. The tongue should also be cleaned to prevent microbial growth.

Doing this will ensure that they are placed in a clean mouth and will help them last longer.

Rinse dentures before wearing

The dentures are supposed to be removed at night time daily. They are usually soaked in a denture cleansing solution overnight. This denture-soaking solution contains harsh chemicals intended for the purpose of cleaning the hard surface of dental dentures. If it makes contact with the skin, it can cause irritation, pain, and even burns. It can also cause some patients to vomit.

Therefore, it is essential to clean the dentures before putting them back into the mouth. Keep them under running water and rub gently with the hands. The patient should ensure that there is no denture-cleaning solution left on the surface of the dentures. They should be completely clean and dry before putting them back into the mouth.  Doing so will ensure that they are sterile and will not cause any irritation to the gums.

Be gentle with dentures

Dentures are made up of resin and porcelain material. This means they are durable and can last for a long time if they are taken care of properly. They should be gently placed in the mouth with minimum pressure. Applying more pressure to them while wearing them can cause them to bend or twist, and can disrupt the structure. Also, during cleaning use a gentle hand. Applying pressure to the false teeth while cleaning can cause them to change shape and can affect chewing and biting.

During removal and putting back the dentures, the patient should ensure that they are in proper condition and the structure is intact. While wearing them, the patient should ensure that he is not eating any foods with hard surfaces or sharp edges. Biting into such surfaces can damage the structure of the dental denture and they may need to be replaced.

Being gentle with them ensures that they last a long time and remain in a good state.

Use the right denture products

The patient should be careful while using different products to keep the denture clean and hygienic. The toothbrush must be gentle with soft bristles. The denture cleaning solution should also be very mild and should not be highly concentrated, because if it makes contact with the tissues of the mouth even accidentally, it can result in pain and irritation to the patient.

Also, while soaking the dental dentures, the patient should ensure that they are not kept in the solution for a long time and they are removed after a few hours. After an overnight soaking, remove the dentures from the solution in the morning. Don’t just leave them in the solution.

If the patient uses a mouthwash, he must ensure that it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like peroxides as they could bleach the surface of the dentures and can affect their longevity.

With proper care, dentures can last you a very long time. Keep the above tips in mind if you wear dentures.