Our Northridge Dentist Guides You in Maintaining Your Custom Dentures
Dentures are an excellent option for replacing teeth. However, without proper maintenance, they can become uncomfortable and ill-fitting, causing damage to your gums and any remaining teeth. Make sure to follow the denture care instructions given to you by our dentist, ensuring your dentures stay in great shape and last as long as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about your denture care, contact our Northridge dentist at Kevin H Gropp, DDS today by calling 818-709-8645.
How to Maintain and Clean Your Dentures
Proper maintenance of dentures is essential for their longevity, and to ensure they continue to function properly. Dr. Kevin H Gropp recommends doing the following to properly care for your dentures.
Clean Dentures Daily
Dentures should be cleaned daily to remove food particles and prevent the buildup of bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle soap or denture cleanser to clean the denture thoroughly. Make sure to avoid using harsh soap or toothpaste, as these can damage your dentures. Rinse dentures before placing them back into the mouth.
Handle With Care
Dentures are delicate and can be easily damaged if handled roughly. When cleaning them, be sure to handle your dentures carefully to avoid scratching, damaging, or breaking them.
Soak Them Overnight
Soak dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight can help remove bacteria and keep them clean. However, make sure you follow instructions for soaking dentures and never use hot water, as it can cause your dentures to warp.
Store Them Properly
Dentures should be stored in a clean, dry container when not in use. Make sure the container has a lid and is placed in a safe location where it won’t be accidentally dropped or knocked over.
Repair When Needed
If a denture is damaged or not fitting properly, visit our Northridge dentist to have it repaired. If you try to fix broken dentures yourself it can cause further damage and potentially render the denture unusable.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Just because you have dentures doesn’t mean you should neglect your oral hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue, and remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. This will help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems that weaken dentures.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health, even if you have dentures. Our dentist can check your dentures for any signs of wear or damage, as well as examine your gums and remaining natural teeth. We may also recommend adjustments or replacements if necessary.
When to Replace Your Dentures
Knowing when it’s time to replace your dentures is crucial for maintaining your oral health and comfort. Common signs that your dentures need replacement include:
- Visible Wear: Check for signs of wear and tear, including cracks, chips, or worn-down teeth. These can impact both the function and appearance of your dentures.
- Loose Fit: If your dentures no longer fit snugly or comfortably, it may be time for a replacement. An ill-fitting denture can lead to sore spots and difficulties with eating and speaking.
- Discomfort or Irritation: If you experience persistent discomfort, soreness, or irritation while wearing your dentures, consult your dentist. This could be due to changes in your mouth or the condition of your dentures.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Difficulty in chewing or speaking, even after adjustments, may indicate that your dentures are no longer effective.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, contact our dentist in Northridge today at 818-709-8645 to schedule an appointment. We’ll examine your dentures and recommend the best course of action.
Common Denture Care Misconceptions
Avoid the following misconceptions about how to care for your dentures:
- Dentures don’t need regular cleaning: Daily cleaning is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and keep dentures fresh. Use a soft brush and denture cleaner.
- You don’t need to clean dentures overnight: Leaving dentures in your mouth overnight without cleaning allows bacteria to accumulate. Always use an overnight soaking solution.
- Hard brushes are best for scrubbing dentures: Stiff bristles can damage the plastic. Use a soft brush to gently clean surfaces.
- Any toothpaste will clean dentures: Regular toothpaste is too abrasive for plastic. Use specialty denture cleansers.
- Dentures just need a quick rinse with water: Thorough daily cleaning is required. Just rinsing will leave behind the plaque.
- Bleach-containing products sterilize dentures: Bleach only removes surface stains, not bacteria. Use other germ-killing solutions.
- You don’t need dental checkups if you wear dentures: Regular dental visits are essential to maintain proper fit and oral health.
- Adhesives can permanently fix loose dentures: If dentures become loose, proper refitting by a dentist is required. Don’t over-rely on adhesive.
- Dentures are maintenance-free: From cleaning to storage and refitting, denture wearers must take good daily care. Neglect will damage dentures.
- Dentures always need to be replaced every five to 10 years: With proper care, high-quality dentures can often last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?
No, it’s not recommended to use regular toothpaste to clean your dentures. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive and damage the surface of the dentures, causing scratches and creating places where bacteria can accumulate. Instead, denture wearers should use a cleaner specifically designed for dentures, which is gentler and more effective in removing stains, bacteria, and food particles from the denture surface.
Can dentures break?
Yes, dentures can break if dropped or mishandled. Dentures are made of acrylic resin, which is a hard but brittle material that can fracture or crack under pressure. If your dentures do break, don’t attempt to repair them yourself, as it may cause further damage.
How do I prevent my dentures from becoming stained?
To prevent your dentures from becoming stained, you should avoid drinking dark-colored liquids like coffee, tea, red wine, and fruit juices. You should also avoid smoking, as it can cause discoloration and stains on your dentures.
Visit Kevin H Gropp, DDS for a Long-Lasting Smile
At Kevin H Gropp, DDS, we believe that denture care is essential to ensuring optimal oral health and quality of life for our patients. We recommend that patients clean their dentures regularly, avoid staining foods and beverages, and visit our office at least once a year for a checkup and adjustment.
If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care for your dentures, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today by calling our Northridge dental office at 818-709-8645.
