Tips on Caring for Dentures to Extend Their Lifespan

You’ve taken such great care of that 2005 Ford GT you bought new at the dealership. You always wanted a supercar, so when you finally had the money saved up, you went for it. The way you’ve kept that vehicle clean, had it regularly serviced, and driven so carefully, it’s no wonder it still looks as great today as the day you bought it.

This is an admirable approach to caring for items in your life, and it can really help you save money to have more discretionary income. Whether it’s a huge purchase like your car or home, or maybe a smaller investment like your charcoal grill or your dentures, why not take great care of these items and extend their shelf life?

Caring for dentures properly will keep your smile looking sharp, ensure they fit well, and help them last. Read on to learn about effectively cleaning your dentures, plus some other tips when you are not wearing them, from your dentist in Houston.

What Do I Need to Know About Properly Cleaning Dentures?

Plaque can form on dentures just as it does on natural teeth. They need to be removed daily to stay white and bright. Here are a few important points to remember when cleaning them:

• Clean dentures on a towel or in a sink filled with water to avoid damage if they are dropped.
• Rinse dentures thoroughly in warm water to remove food particles.
• Use a denture cleanser specifically made for this purpose.
• Moisten a denture brush to clean all surfaces gently in warm water. Do not use a soft bristle toothbrush but consider using an electric toothbrush.
• Brush your gums, tongue, and natural teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with mouthwash before reinserting your dentures. Remove any denture adhesive from your gums and the dentures.
• Avoid cleaning dentures with whitening toothpaste, abrasive cleaning materials, products containing bleach, and hot water.

What Are Key Recommendations About Denture Care?

There’s more to taking care of dentures than the cleaning process. Here are some other suggestions:

• Remove the top denture by placing your thumb against your front teeth and pressing upward and outward toward your nose.
• Remove the bottom denture by slowly pulling on it while applying a rocking motion.
• Soak dentures overnight in room-temperature water or a mild denture-soaking solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
• Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution.
• Never wrap your dentures in a paper towel and keep them away from children and pets.
• Schedule regular dental checkups to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned, plus to ensure that you maintain a secure fit.

Just like any investment you make, it is smart to take care of your dentures so they last a long time, remain in good condition, and you save money in the process. If you still have questions about denture care, contact your dentist in Houston so you can rest easy knowing you are making the right moves.

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry is a Houston native and graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. He then completed a General Practice Residency with the United States Navy, where he maintained the dental health of more than 3,200 Marines and sailors. Dr. Castleberry is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and a continuing scholar at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies. If you are interested in dentures, he offers partials and full dentures, as well as implant-retained dentures. Or you just need advice about care for your current dentures, Dr. Castleberry can help with that, too. Schedule your consultation or exam on his website or call (281) 320-9600.