How Should Dentures Be Maintained?
Dentures are important appliances that replace missing teeth and support oral health. However, regular maintenance is essential for dentures to be long-lasting and healthy. Improper maintenance can cause dentures to wear out over time, cause bad breath, and cause gum problems. So, how should we clean dentures and what mistakes should we avoid? Here is what you need to know about proper denture care!
Dentures, like natural teeth, are exposed to food residue and bacteria. If they are not cleaned regularly;
✔ Bad breath may occur due to bacteria and plaque accumulation.
✔ The risk of fungus and infection may increase.
✔ The surface of the denture may wear out over time and its lifespan may be shortened.
✔ Gum irritation and inflammation may occur.
For this reason, daily cleaning of dentures should not be neglected.
🔹 Remove and clean your dentures after every meal. Food residue can accumulate on the surface of the denture.
🔹 Rinse with warm water, do not use hot water. Hot water can damage the structure of the denture.
🔹 Use a denture cleaning solution. Special denture cleaning tablets or solutions prevent bacteria and tartar formation.
🔹 Brush gently with a toothbrush. Hard-bristled brushes can damage the surface of the denture, so a soft-bristled brush should be preferred.
✔ You can soak your dentures in a mixture of vinegar and water. (1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 1 glass of water)
✔ You can perform a deep cleaning using special denture cleaning tablets.
🚫 Do not clean with toothpaste! Most toothpastes can scratch the surface of the denture.
🚫 Avoid harsh chemicals! Harsh chemicals such as bleach can erode the denture.
🚫 Be careful of falling! When cleaning your dentures, place a towel in the sink or clean them over a container full of water to prevent them from breaking.
🚫 Always remove your dentures at night! Dentures that are constantly worn can irritate the gums and cause infection.
🔸 If your dentures become unstable over time,
🔸 If there is a wound, irritation or pain in your mouth,
🔸 If your dentures are broken or worn,
🔸 If you have problems speaking or chewing,
You may need to consult your dentist to have your dentures replaced or repaired.
Dentures can be used healthily and comfortably for many years when properly cared for. You can extend the life of your dentures with daily cleaning, proper storage conditions and regular dentist check-ups. Don’t neglect your denture care for a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile! 😊🦷
