How to Care for Dentures? Proper Care and Good Maintenance

Dentures are removable dental appliances that take place of missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth due to cavities or gum diseases, you may need dentures. Dentures support your ability to chew and restore the shape of your jaw, just like natural teeth.

Your prosthodontist will customise your dentures as per your requirements to provide maximum comfort and ease. The base of the denture is built with resin or metal, and the tooth is usually made with porcelain or polymer.

Usually, dentures are required by people who are above 60 and lose their teeth naturally however, you might need dentures if you lose a tooth due to the following reasons:

• Tooth decay and broken tooth
• Facial Injuries due to an accident
• Severe gum disease or receding gums

Types of dentures

Your healthcare provider will recommend the most suitable denture type based on age, oral health, and missing teeth. Your dentist may use other types, including:

Complete Denture

As you might have guessed, these dentures replace a complete row of upper or lower teeth. They are removable dentures, placed on the gums. 

Partial Denture

Partial dentures are used to replace single or multiple lost teeth. These dentures are attached to remaining teeth and sometimes on dental implants (titanium-based post). 

Fixed partial Denture

They are commonly known as dental bridges and attach themselves permanently to the adjacent teeth. You should never attempt to remove these at home; this type of denture should be handled only by a dentist.

How to care for dentures?

All dentures require proper care and good maintenance to stay clean, stainless, and bacteria-free. The following are some care guidelines:

• Remove dentures after eating, rinse them with water, and soak them in the denture cleaning solution. Use a soft cotton towel to dry them afterwards.
• Mishandling can damage, bend and break your dentures during the cleaning process. Hold your dentures carefully and make sure not to drop them.
• Clean your gums after removing the dentures. The leftover adhesive on the gums can cause infections and an unpleasant odour. Gently brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush or gauze to clean the gums.
• Maintaining an oral health routine through brushing is very important for an increased life span of dentures. Remove all kinds of food particles, plaque, and other slimy deposits. The grooves of your dentures hold a lot of hidden denture adhesive in them; rinse them thoroughly.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups to have them professionally cleaned now and then. In case of any misfitting or discomfort, your dentist will ensure a proper fit. Loose dentures can cause irritation and wounds leading to bacterial and fungal infections.

What to avoid while cleaning dentures?

• Abrasive cleaning agents and stiff bristle brushes can damage the dentures
• Whitening toothpaste may stain your dentures and alter their colour.
• Bleaching products contain chlorine and can corrode the metal attachments of the dentures.
• Do not soak dentures in hot water, it can warp them.

For expert advice about professional care for your dentures, book an appointment with Custom Denture Clinic or call us on

Buderim: (07) 5317 1023
Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076

References

Dentures
https://www.teeth.org.au/dentures

How do I clean dentures?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375