Mouth Maintenance: 3 Tips to Preserve Your Dentures

Dentures are the tried-and-true way to rebuild your grin after losing some or all of your adult teeth. These versatile restorations are customized to look as lifelike as possible to simultaneously improve your mouth’s functionality and appearance. With them in place, you can eat, speak, and smile more like you used to.

Plus, dentures can last 5 to 10+ years, but you must care for them properly to continue to enjoy their many benefits. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to keep them in excellent condition!

Tip #1: Implement a Routine

Some people who have no natural teeth remaining assume that they no longer need to worry about their oral health, but nothing could be further from the truth. Your prosthetics form a firm suction against your gums over the bony ridges in your mouth to remain put all day. That gives trapped food, germs, and debris plenty of opportunity to attract disease-inducing bacteria. If allowed to flourish, they can form plaque on your dentures that can infect your connective tissues or jawbone.

To keep your mouth clean, you should remove your dentures at least twice daily to wash them thoroughly. Brush all surfaces gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap to avoid abrading the surface. Then, rinse them off with cool or lukewarm water because hot temps can warp the acrylic base so it no longer fits.

Tip #2: Rinse After Meals

Your dentures act as artificial teeth so you can bite and chew your meals more easily. This allows you to enjoy a wide variety of wholesome ingredients to boost your dental and general well-being. However, leftover food can cling to your restoration and cause buildup, leading to gum disease and other issues.

It’s a good idea to take your teeth out and rinse them after eating to remove debris that attracts harmful germs. Not only that, but water has a neutral pH balance to counteract potential erosion from any overly acidic foods or drinks you might have consumed.

Tip #3: Soak Them At Night

Many patients grow frustrated with frequently removing and reinserting their dentures for cleanings and wonder if it’s safe to fall asleep with them in their mouths at night. While this might be acceptable occasionally, it’s generally not recommended.

Your gums might become sore or inflamed, or you could develop blisters, if they never get a break from the constant pressure of supporting your new teeth. The tight suction hinders circulation to your connective tissues, so your body can’t deliver infection-fighting cells or nutrients, increasing the likelihood of gum disease. It’s better to leave your dentures to soak in a glass of water or a special cleaning solution.

Following these helpful hints can keep your prosthetics looking and feeling great for years!

About the Practice

At Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group, patients benefit from a team of experts who take a whole-body approach to dental care. Their staff includes general dentists, a periodontist, a prosthodontist, an endodontist, and an oral surgeon to conveniently meet even the most unique needs under one roof. They understand the science behind how your oral status affects your general condition and strive to improve your quality of life by helping you build and maintain a happy, healthy smile. If you need to replace missing teeth, they can provide quality, lifelike restorations intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (410) 465-3224.