Your dentures should serve you well for several years. However, they will only do so if you are determined to play your part. How can you take care of your dentures? You can ask your dental team for personalized guidance. In the meantime, read this blog post to discover the basics of an excellent denture care routine. Your efforts to apply the following tips will reward you with a lower risk of problems for your prosthetic.

Prioritize Oral Hygiene

Without proper oral hygiene, your dentures could accumulate bacteria, odors, and stains. To keep your prosthetic teeth clean, you should:

• Gently brush your dentures each day with a soft brush. Do not use toothpaste. Instead, favor a clear antibacterial soap.
• Periodically soak your dentures in a cleaning solution.
• Rinse your dentures after each meal.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Clean your gums, tongue, and the inside of your cheeks each day.

Be Careful When Eating

Dentures do not have the same chewing power as natural teeth, so you have to exercise your powers of good judgement when deciding what to eat. Some foods, like chewy steaks and other meats, may be difficult for you to consume. Sticky foods might pull your dentures right off your gums! Foods with small, hard parts — like popcorn — could get stuck beneath your dentures. Highly pigmented beverages, including coffee and tea, might cause stains.

If you are ever in doubt as to whether a particular food is compatible with dentures, it may be best to avoid it.

Protect Your Dentures

Dentures are durable, but they do have the potential to break. Therefore, you should only remove them when you are standing over a folded towel or a sink full of water; they should have a soft landing if they fall!

You should also be mindful of where you place your denture when you are not wearing it. You should keep it in a glass of water, but do not place the glass too close to the edge of a table, or anywhere a curious pet might knock it to the floor.

Stay in Touch with Your Dentist

You should visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and oral cleaning. They will inspect your dentures for signs of wear and tear. When necessary, they will recommend a reline (adjustment) so your prosthetic teeth will continue to provide a comfortable fit. When the time is right, they will urge you to move on to an entirely new denture.

Taking good care of dentures is not difficult! Use the tips in this article to help your prosthetic teeth stand the test of time.

Meet the Practice

The experts at Abington Family Dental Care proudly provide dentures, denture maintenance services, and many other treatments that can help members of our community to enjoy healthy and happy smiles. If you are curious about your tooth replacement options or how to take care of your mouth, we would be pleased to answer your questions. Get in touch with our team at 781-780-2658.