A Quick Guide on Caring for Dentures Properly
March 27, 2025
Taking good care of your dentures won’t just keep your breath fresh; healthy habits will also help them last longer! That’s why it’s so important to incorporate them into your daily routine (while simultaneously avoiding anything that has the potential to cause harm). If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a brief overview of how to take care of dentures.
1. Take Your Dentures Off at Night
Leaving your dentures on at night can lead to several problems – from restricted blood flow to an increased risk of pneumonia. So, make sure that you take them out before you go to bed! Placing them in a glass of clean water will prevent them from drying out, but many patients opt to put them in a dentist-recommended cleaning solution instead. That way, any lingering bacteria are killed and the dentures are fresh and clean come morning!
2. Brush Your Dentures Twice a Day
Brushing your dentures regularly won’t just keep your breath fresh; it will help them last! The first step is taking yours off and rinsing them with clean, cool water. Then, use a denture brush and cleanser to remove saliva, food particles, and other debris from the surface. When you’re done, rinse them again before putting them back in your mouth.
Tip: Clean your dentures over a towel or a small blanket so there is something soft for them to land on if you drop them.
3. Schedule Routine Denture Checks
Just like routine exams are important, routine denture checks are important. Your dentist uses these visits to make sure the restoration is in good condition and fits properly while also checking for warning signs of trouble, like lesions or changes to your jaw. They can also give your dentures a deeper clean, removing the biofilm that often develops on the surface over time.
4. Avoid Crunchy and Sticky Foods
Since dentures are artificial, they cannot decay. They can, however, chip or crack if you eat extremely crunchy foods. That’s why patients are encouraged to steer clear of tortilla chips, hard pretzels, peanut brittle, and raw almonds. Instead, fill your plate with softer foods that contain more nutrients, like cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and oatmeal.
About the Practice
Our team at McComb Family Dental is here to help patients with everything from routine checkups to modern dentures. If you’re interested in the latter, we can have a custom one made for you to give you a complete, healthy, and even more beautiful smile. Not only that, but we’ll be an ongoing resource if you have any questions about life with dentures, including how to take care of them. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with us, visit our website or call (419) 293-2335.
