Caring For Dentures
- Home
- Proper Denture Care
Denture Health Care
Proper denture care is important to not only ensuring your dentures last a long time but for your health as well. In today’s blog, we look at denture care tips and answer some of the common questions asked about caring for dentures.
Place Them Somewhere Safe
Avoid leaving dentures on the kitchen bench or countertops as doing so can increase the chances of them being dropped on the floor or drying out. Be sure to keep them placed in a cup of water whenever you take them out of your mouth.
Brush Daily With a Soft Bristle Brush
When it comes to caring for dentures, you’ll need to regularly brush your dentures to ensure stains don’t build up. A soft bristle brush and a special denture cleanser should be used, as hard bristles and normal toothpaste can cause the surface to become scratched.
Rinse Dentures After Eating
It’s important to rinse dentures every time you eat as food particles can build up and cause too many bacteria in your mouth. This should also be done after you’ve consumed beverages such as coffee or red wine, as it helps to stop your dentures from staining.
How Do You Disinfect Dentures?
If your dentures look as though they need cleaning, putting them in a cup with a denture cleansing tablet (such as Polident) and leaving them to soak before brushing should be an adequate solution. Or if you’ve dropped them in an unsanitary place (such as the toilet), taking the cup and placing it in the microwave for two minutes can help zap away any MRSA bacteria – just remember, if your dentures contain metal, it cannot be placed in the microwave.
Common Questions Asked About Caring For Dentures
Should You Keep Your Dentures in Water Overnight?
Dentures should always remain in contact with moisture as the acrylic material can warp if left to dry for too long. It’s recommended you keep them in a glass of water overnight and properly immerse them so that every part of the denture is covered. Though using boiling water to wash dentures or soak them seems like a good option for getting rid of bacteria, it can cause the material to warp so is best avoided.
How Long Can Dentures Stay Out of Water?
Dentures can only stay dry for a few hours, though even that short duration can cause the material to warp or crack. If you’ve left them out, be sure to put them in water as soon as possible.
Do You Need to Keep Your Dentures Wet?
Yes, dentures must be always wet otherwise the acrylic will warp or break. When not in your mouth, make sure to place them in a glass of water or denture solution.
Should You Take Your Dentures Out Every Night?
Yes, it’s recommended you give your mouth a break overnight as dentures constantly rubbing on gums can cause sores and wear down the bone faster. Leaving dentures in while you sleep also creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and increases the chance of developing gum disease, pneumonia, and tongue plaque.
Is it Okay to Sleep with Dentures In?
It’s recommended you don’t sleep with dentures as it can cause several health problems. Dentures are quite hard on your mouth and can cause bone absorption to occur at a faster rate. Your chances of developing gum disease and denture- related stomatitis are higher, as your mouth is over-exposed to bacteria.
Do You Put Your Dentures in Wet or Dry?
Dentures should be put in your mouth wet as they should always remain in contact with moisture.
