Dentures have long been a popular option for people who have lost all or most of their teeth. Whether complete or partial, dentures require regular maintenance to remain in good shape and serve you well for many years. We at Kitchener Dentist Centre recognize the importance of regular denture care and have created this complete guide to help you keep your dentures in excellent condition.

Table of Contents

  • Identification of Dentures
  • Daily Cleaning Routine for Your Dentures
  • Denture Storage Overnight
  • How Should You Take Care of Your Dentures?
  • Tips for Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
  • Regular Dental Checkups
  • How Frequently Should You Visit a Dentist?
  • Recognizing Your New Dentures
  • Common Denture Problems and Solutions
  • Contact Kitchener Dentist Centre

Identification of Dentures

Before delving into denture care and maintenance, it’s necessary to understand the various types and their unique qualities. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in one or both arches of the mouth, whereas partial dentures fill in the gaps left by lost teeth while relying on the remaining teeth for support. Both types of artificial teeth are composed of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal and are designed to look and feel like natural teeth.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Your Dentures

Dentures, like natural teeth, need to be cleaned regularly to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and food debris. To maintain your dentures clean and fresh, use the following methods:

  • After each meal, rinse your dentures to remove any stray food particles.
  • Fill your sink with water or throw a towel in it to prevent your dentures from falling out while you clean them.
  • Gently clean all surfaces of your dentures with a soft denture brush or a soft toothbrush. To avoid scratching the denture material, avoid using toothpaste or aggressive cleaners.
  • Use mild dish soap or a denture cleaning solution recommended by your dentist to clean your dentures over the sink.
  • Thoroughly rinse your dentures with water to eliminate any leftover soap or cleaning solution.

Denture Storage Overnight

Keeping your dentures in a safe and clean place at night is critical. To keep dentures moist and in shape, immerse them in water or a denture-soaking solution. Hot water should be avoided since it can cause denture material to deform. Also, thoroughly rinse your dentures the next day before putting them back in your mouth.

How Should You Take Care of Your Dentures?

Dentures are fragile and can shatter or become damaged if not handled carefully. Place your dentures on a soft surface, such as a towel or a sink full of water, when inserting or removing them to reduce the likelihood of their shattering if you drop them.

Tips for Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

When wearing dentures, it is vital to maintain excellent dental hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. To maintain good oral health, take the following steps:

  • Use a soft toothbrush to brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth daily.
  • Take your dentures out for at least four hours each day to allow your gums to rest and heal.
  • Brush any remaining natural teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental exams are required for optimum oral health even with dentures. Visit your dentist at least once a year, or more frequently if necessary, to check that your dentures are properly fitted and that any required adjustments have been performed. Regular examinations also allow your dentist to evaluate the health of your gums and natural teeth and check for oral cancer and other potential disorders.

How Frequently Should You Visit a Dentist?

In addition to routine examinations, you should consult your dentist if you experience any of the following denture issues:

  • Pain or discomfort with your dentures
  • Difficulties eating or speaking
  • Denture cracks, chips, or other apparent damage
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth

Addressing these concerns as soon as feasible can help prevent future problems and keep your dentures functioning properly and comfortably.

Recognizing Your New Dentures

While dentures can significantly improve your quality of life, some issues are unavoidable. Here are a few examples of typical denture issues and solutions:

  • Sore Spots: This condition can be caused by ill-fitting dentures or a lack of basic dental hygiene. See your dentist for adjustments to ease uncomfortable places and keep regular cleaning habits.
  • Difficulty Eating: Start with soft foods and work your way up to harder foods as you get used to your dentures. To avoid uneven pressure, chew on all sides of your mouth equally.
  • Difficulties with Speech: Practice speaking slowly and clearly, and consider reading aloud, to assist your tongue and mouth muscles adjust to your dentures faster.

Common Denture Problems and Solutions

Adjusting to new dentures may take some time, so be patient. Here are a few pointers to help you adjust:

  • Use your dentures to speak and eat every day.
  • As your confidence grows, gradually introduce more complex dishes.
  • Be patient and allow your body to acclimatize to the unusual sensation of wearing dentures.
  • Follow your dentist’s instructions for proper care and maintenance.
  • Please contact your dental care team with any questions or concerns.

Contact Kitchener Dentist Centre

We recognize the importance of properly caring for your dentures to extend their lifespan and maintain your comfort. Please call our pleasant and educated team in Kitchener, Canada if you have any questions or concerns concerning your dentures or if you need to schedule a checkup. Make an appointment with us today to keep your gorgeous, healthy smile!

DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.