Helpful Tips to Make Your Dentures Last Longer

On average, dentures in West Palm Beach last between five and 10 years. But, don’t get too confident because some people experience damaged, broken, and ill-fitting dentures even before reaching the five-year mark. Although dentures are made of durable materials, they can get damaged if you don’t carefully maintain them. You should follow proper denture care to ensure that your dentures remain in tiptop shape for years. 

How To Better Care for Your Dentures 

What Are Dentures? 

Dentures are removable dental prostheses designed to replace missing teeth. People looking for an affordable tooth replacement solution will surely appreciate what dentures have to offer. 

As you know, tooth loss is not just an aesthetic concern. Studies show that tooth loss will negatively impact your oral health in more ways than one. For instance, chewing and biting without teeth will cause discomfort. Furthermore, tooth loss will cause your existing teeth to fill the space leading to teeth misalignment. Tooth loss also causes your facial muscles to sag, giving you an older appearance. Dentures help restore your smile and oral function. 

How Do You Clean Your Dentures? 

Clean Your Dentures Daily 

Since you’ll be wearing your dentures daily, you have to make an effort to take good care of them. Even though your denture is made of artificial materials, plaque, food debris, and bacteria can lodge in the corners of the prosthesis. It’s also possible for dark-colored food and drinks to stain it. 

To keep your denture functional and attractive, make sure you brush them every night. Make it a part of your oral care routine so you won’t forget. We also recommend you clean your dentures after every meal, but if that’s not possible, you can simply rinse them with water to avoid staining, especially if you’re drinking wine, coffee, or tea. 

Cleaning your dentures is not the same as brushing your teeth. Here’s how you clean them. 

1. Remove your denture from your mouth and rinse it in cold water. Never clean your dentures with hot water, as this can cause warping. 

2. Use a denture cleaning brush because it is designed and shaped to clean your dentures effectively. But if you don’t have one, you can use a regular toothbrush. Just make sure it has soft bristles to avoid scratching your dentures. 

3. Another important reminder is only to use an ADA-approved denture cleaning solution. Avoid using regular toothpaste and cleaners as they may contain abrasive chemicals that can destroy your dentures. 

4. Be extra meticulous in your cleaning, especially in the area where it fits against your mouth, as bacteria tend to collect there. After cleaning, don’t forget to rinse your dentures in cool water. 

5. When cleaning your dentures, dentists recommend you place a towel under the sink just in case you accidentally lose grip of your denture. Although your dentures are durable, they can still break. 

Clean Your Mouth Daily 

After cleaning your denture, your next job is to clean your mouth. Brush your remaining teeth using fluoride toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay attention to your gums, tongue, and palate. Make sure your mouth is clean before you put your dentures on. 

Ideally, you should brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes. Spend 30 seconds in each quadrant. 

Keep Your Dentures Soaked in Solution 

Did you know that if you leave your dentures to dry out, they will eventually lose their shape? Dentures are designed to be kept in a moist environment. If you are not wearing them, you should soak them in water or a denture cleaning solution. 

Before going to bed, place your dentures in a glass of water or cleaning solution and leave them there overnight. Dentists do not recommend you wear dentures in your sleep as this can cause gum irritation, and it may even damage your dentures if you grind your teeth in your sleep (bruxism). 

More Denture Care Tips 

To keep your dentures in excellent shape, you must be careful with the products you use to clean them. If you are unsure, ask your dentist for a list of recommended products. Again, just like your toothpaste, only choose products with the ADA Seal of Approval as they are guaranteed safe to use. 

When Do You Need New Dentures? 

Maintaining your denture can help make them last a long time, but unlike implants, dentures aren’t designed to last a lifetime. There will come a time when you’ll need to have them re-fitted, repaired, or replaced. The shape and contours of your mouth are not the same forever. 

They change as you age, which means you’ll also need to have your dentures adjusted to fit your mouth. We suggest you see a dentist if your dentures don’t feel comfortable anymore or if you experience discomfort in your bite and soreness in your gums.   

Do You Want to Learn More About Dentures in West Palm Beach? 

Do you have more questions about denture care? We are here to help! At Ferber Dental Group, we aim to provide you with the finest care and most convenient financial options. We offer affordable and customizable treatment plans to help you achieve good dental health. Call us today to learn more.