Prime Smile’s Blog

Dentures are one of the world's oldest and most reliable dental restorations. By getting dentures near Birmingham, AL, you can replace missing teeth in your mouth, eliminate visible gaps, and improve your chewing. Moreover, they’re easy to use and widely affordable.

Nevertheless, both partial and full dentures need proper care to keep them free from stains and ensure their fit remains comfortable.

5 Fundamental Denture-Care Tips

Food and plaque can adhere to dentures in the same way they do to real teeth. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that develops over your teeth after eating and drinking. It can also accumulate on dentures if they are not cleaned, increasing the risk of gum disease and foul breath.

To keep your dentures clean and your mouth in top shape, here are five steps to follow:

1. Rinse Dentures After Eating

Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. We recommend filling the sink with water using a bowl. If you’re going to do the latter, place a towel underneath the bowl to act as a protective layer. This prevents your dentures from shattering if you accidentally drop them.

Be careful when handling your dentures, ensuring you don't bend or damage the plastic or clasps.

2. Brush Your Dentures Daily

Remove your dentures to give them a gentle cleaning every day. Use a denture cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to remove food, plaque, and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, remove any remaining adhesive by cleaning the grooves that press against your gums.

Avoid using harsh toothpaste, strong cleansers, and stiff-bristled brushes, as these can damage your dentures.

3. Soak Dentures Overnight

The majority of denture types require moisture to maintain their shape. So, when you remove them overnight, submerge them in water or a gentle denture-soaking solution. Removing dentures at night is important to prevent sores and irritation on your gums. You can ask your dentist for further instructions on what denture-soaking solution to use.

Rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back into your mouth, especially if you used a denture-soaking solution. Denture cleaners should never be used directly in the mouth. These solutions may contain dangerous chemicals that can result in burns, pain, or vomiting when consumed.

Additionally, avoid soaking your dentures in boiling or hot water, as it can cause them to bend out of shape.

4. Clean Your Mouth After Taking Out Your Dentures

After removing your dentures, use a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. You can also use the soft-bristled toothbrush on any remaining natural teeth and gauze. Make sure to remove any lingering dental adhesive from your gums.

5. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

It’s important to visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams.

Your dentist will remove any plaque accumulation from your dentures, ensure they fit comfortably, and assess the state of your smile.

Keep Your Dentures near Birmingham, AL, in Top Condition

Dentures are reliable restorations. They can change your life by allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with ease. For that reason, it is a must to take care of your new dental prosthetic.

There’s no secret to denture longevity: just dedicate the time to cleaning them and contact your dentist at Prime Smile Dental Care if you notice anything wrong. We can reline and adjust the fit if your dentures are feeling uncomfortable. Give us a call!