Prosthetic Preservation: 3 Tips for Maintaining Your Dentures

Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because they’re a versatile solution that can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality regardless of how many teeth remain. Plus, they’re made from durable materials that can potentially last 5 to 10 or more years!

However, that’s only as long as they’re cared for correctly. If your prosthetics are new and you are unsure how to keep them in great shape, continue reading to learn about 3 tips that can help!

Tip #1: Rinse Then After Eating

Tooth loss can make it challenging to chew normally, but thankfully, your restoration returns a portion of your original bite force so that you can enjoy a wider variety of healthy foods to support your oral and overall well-being.

Not only that, but your dentures aren’t made from the same organic components as your teeth, so you don’t need to worry they’ll get cavities. But you must still keep them clean to avoid gum disease and other concerns. For example, rinsing them under gently running water after meals removes leftover food and other debris that can become trapped along your gumline throughout the day and contribute to periodontal problems.

Tip #2: Thoroughly Cleanse Them Twice Daily

Even those who have lost all their teeth are prone to developing gum disease and other oral concerns, so it’s important to maintain twice-daily at-home dental hygiene habits. For example, you should remove your dentures both morning and night to thoroughly scrub all their surfaces to avoid dental issues.

You can do this with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t damage the teeth or foundation of your restoration. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly after cleaning before putting them back into your mouth so you don’t ingest any potentially toxic chemicals that aren’t intended to be consumed.

Tip #3: Remove Them At Night

Do you sometimes feel tempted to fall asleep without removing your dentures? This might not be dangerous if it happens once or twice, but it’s generally not recommended. Your restoration forms a tight bond against your connective tissues to remain in place, which reduces circulation to the area. This can result in sores or infection that can be avoided by removing your teeth to soak them at night instead.

You can leave them in a glass of room-temperature water or a special soaking solution to help kill germs while retaining their shape, all while getting a good night’s sleep!

If you have additional questions about caring for your new teeth, your dentist may have other suggestions to try!

Meet the Author

Dr. Philip A. Lisk has 20+ years of experience helping people build and maintain the healthiest and most beautiful versions of their smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, and has since completed continuing educational courses with prestigious institutions, including the Dawson Academy. Today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services, including dentures, to meet all your needs at one convenient location. You can request an appointment on the website or call (919) 870-6892.