Caring for Your Dentures: A Guide to Longevity

Smile Stop Dentures and Implants
Jan 27
8 min read

Smiling woman with ponytail, wearing a light patterned blouse, touches her face. Soft background with a window, conveying joy. — Smile Stop Dentures & Implants on Caring for Your Dentures: A Guide to Longevity

Welcome to your complete guide to proper care! If you wear dentures, you know they are a big part of your life. They help you eat your favorite foods, speak clearly with friends and family, and share your smile with the world. Because they are so important, taking good care of them is a must.

Just like you would take care of your natural teeth, these dental appliances need daily attention to stay in great shape. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for them to make sure they last a long time and always feel comfortable.

At Smile Stop Dentures & Implants, we want to help you feel confident and happy with your smile. We know that getting used to false teeth can take time, and you might have questions about how to best care for them. That's why we've put together this guide with practical, easy-to-follow advice.

We'll cover everything from your daily cleaning routine to common problems you might face and how to solve them. Whether you are new to wearing them or have had them for years, you'll find helpful tips here to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

What Are Dentures and Why Do They Matter?

Before we dive into the details of proper care, let's talk about what dentures are and why they are so important. These are custom-made replacements for missing teeth. They can be taken out and put back into your mouth. There are a few different types, and the one you have depends on your specific needs.

Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing. They can be for your upper jaw, your lower jaw, or both. These rest directly on your gums. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

They usually have a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth to hold them in place. There are also fixed partial dentures, which are more commonly known as dental bridges. These are permanently attached to the surrounding teeth and can only be removed by a dentist.

People need these dental appliances for many reasons. Sometimes, teeth are lost because of tooth decay or gum disease. Other times, an injury to the mouth can cause tooth loss. No matter the reason, losing teeth can make it hard to chew food and speak clearly.

It can also affect your confidence. False teeth help solve these problems. They restore your ability to eat a variety of foods, which is important for your overall health. They also help you speak more clearly and give you back your smile. In short, these replacements can greatly improve your quality of life.

Your Daily Care Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Just like natural teeth, false teeth need to be cleaned every day to remove food particles and plaque. A good daily care routine will keep them clean, prevent stains, and help you avoid problems like bad breath and gum irritation. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to your daily routine.

Step 1: Remove and Rinse After Every Meal

After you eat, it's a good idea to take them out and rinse them with water. This helps remove any loose food particles that might be trapped between the appliance and your gums. Rinsing after each meal is a quick and easy way to keep them clean throughout the day.

When you rinse them, hold them carefully over a sink filled with water or a folded towel. This will help prevent them from breaking if you accidentally drop them.

Step 2: Brush Daily

Every day, you should give them a gentle but thorough brushing. This is important to remove plaque and prevent permanent stains. However, you should not use regular toothpaste for this task. Toothpaste is abrasive, which means it can scratch the surface.

These tiny scratches can then become a place for bacteria to grow. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush designed specifically for this purpose and a non-abrasive cleanser. You can also use mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid. Brush all the surfaces, both inside and out. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plastic or the attachments.

Step 3: Clean Your Mouth

Even if you have a complete set, you still need to clean your mouth. After you take them out, use a soft toothbrush to gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. This removes any plaque and stimulates circulation in your tissues.

If you have a partial set, it's especially important to brush your remaining natural teeth carefully. Keeping your gums and natural teeth healthy is a key part of successful wearing.

Step 4: Soak Overnight

Your appliance needs to stay moist to keep its shape. When you are not wearing it, especially overnight, you should soak it in a special soaking solution or in cool water. Never use hot water, as it can cause warping.

Soaking helps to remove plaque and bacteria that you might have missed during brushing. It also gives your gums a chance to rest. Most types need to remain moist to keep their shape. Letting them dry out can cause them to become brittle and change their fit.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

When you go to the store, you'll see many different products for cleaning false teeth. It can be confusing to know which ones are best. Here's a breakdown of the different types of cleansers and what to look for.

Cleansers come in several forms, including tablets, creams, and solutions. Effervescent tablets are a popular choice. You simply drop a tablet into a glass of water with your appliance to create a soaking solution.

These tablets are effective at removing stains and killing odor-causing bacteria. Cleaning creams are used with a special brush for manual cleaning. They are less abrasive than regular toothpaste and are designed to be safe for the materials.

When you are choosing a cleanser, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This seal means that the product has been tested and proven to be safe and effective. The ADA evaluates products based on scientific evidence, so you can trust that a product with the seal will do a good job without causing damage.

There are also some things you should avoid using. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach. Bleach can weaken the material and change its color. You should also avoid using hot or boiling water, as this can warp the plastic and ruin the fit. And as we mentioned before, regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can cause scratches on the surface.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Even with the best care, you might run into some problems, especially when you are first getting used to them. Here are some common issues and what you can do about them.

Sore Spots and Irritation

When you first get a new set, it's common to experience some sore spots or irritation in your mouth. This is because your gums are getting used to the pressure. If you have sore spots, it's important to see your dentist.

They can make small adjustments to relieve the pressure and make them more comfortable. You should not try to adjust them yourself, as this can damage them.

Difficulty Chewing and Speaking

Eating and speaking with a new appliance can feel strange at first. It takes time for the muscles in your cheeks and tongue to learn how to hold them in place. To make chewing easier, start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly and try to use both sides of your mouth at the same time.

This will help to keep them stable. When it comes to speaking, practice reading out loud to get used to the feel. Certain words may be difficult to pronounce at first, but with practice, you'll be speaking clearly and confidently.

Loose or Slipping

Over time, your gums and the bone in your jaw can change shape. This can cause them to become loose or slip. If they feel loose, you might be tempted to use an adhesive. Adhesives can help to hold them in place and give you more confidence.

They come in powders, pastes, and wafers. However, adhesives are not a long-term solution for ill-fitting appliances. If you find that you need to use more and more adhesive to keep them in place, it's a sign that you need to see your dentist. They may need to be relined or replaced to ensure a proper fit.

Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a problem for wearers. It is usually caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria on the appliance. The best way to prevent bad breath is to follow a strict daily cleaning routine.

Make sure you are brushing thoroughly every day and soaking them overnight in a cleansing solution. It's also important to clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth to remove plaque from your mouth.

Mistakes to Avoid: Protecting Your Investment

Your false teeth are an investment in your health and happiness. To protect that investment, it's important to avoid some common mistakes that can cause damage or harm your oral health.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is sleeping with them in. Your gums need time to rest from the pressure. Wearing them 24/7 can lead to gum irritation and infections. Always take them out at night and soak them in water or a special solution.

Another common mistake is using hot water to clean or soak them. As we've mentioned, hot water can warp the plastic and ruin the fit. Always use cool or lukewarm water.

Neglecting regular cleaning is another big no-no. Just like natural teeth, they can build up plaque and tartar if they are not cleaned properly. This can lead to stains, bad breath, and gum problems. Make sure you are brushing every day.

Some people are tempted to try to repair or adjust them at home if they break or feel uncomfortable. This is a bad idea. DIY repairs can cause permanent damage and may even harm your mouth. If they are broken or don't fit right, always see your dentist.

Finally, don't make the mistake of skipping your regular dental check-ups. Even if you have a complete set and no natural teeth, it's still important to see your dentist regularly. They will check the fit and examine your gums and other tissues in your mouth for any signs of problems.

When to See Your Dentist: Professional Care is Key

Regular visits to your dentist are a crucial part of proper care. Your dentist is your partner in keeping your mouth healthy and your appliance in good condition. You should plan to see your dentist at least once a year for a check-up.

During your check-up, your dentist will examine your mouth to make sure your gums are healthy. They will also check the fit and condition. Over time, your jawbone and gums can shrink, which can cause them to become loose.

Your dentist can reline or rebase them to improve the fit. A reline involves adding new material to the base to make it fit your gums more snugly. A rebase involves making a new base and using the existing teeth.

These dental appliances are not meant to last forever. The average lifespan is between five and ten years. Over time, the teeth can wear down, and the base can become stained or warped. Your dentist will let you know when it's time for a new set. Getting replacements when you need them is important for your comfort and your oral health.

In addition to your regular check-ups, you should see your dentist if you experience any problems. If you have pain, discomfort, or sores that don't go away, it's a sign that they may need to be adjusted. If they are damaged, don't try to fix them yourself. Your dentist has the right tools and materials to repair them safely.

Conclusion

Caring for your dentures is essential for your comfort, your health, and your confidence. By following a simple daily routine of cleaning and soaking, you can keep them looking and feeling great for years to come. Remember to handle them with care, use the right cleaning products, and avoid common mistakes like using hot water or sleeping with them in.

Your dentist is your best resource for all things related to your oral health. Regular check-ups are important to ensure that your appliance fits properly and that your mouth stays healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Smile Stop Dentures & Implants. We are here to help you enjoy all the benefits of a healthy and beautiful smile.