Good daily care keeps your dentures clean, comfortable, and looking their best, and it protects your gums and any remaining natural teeth. The routine is simple once you get the hang of it. At Valley Dental Turlock, we want your dentures to stay fresh and last as long as possible.
Here is how to care for your dentures the right way.
Clean your dentures daily
Rinse your dentures after eating to remove food, and brush them at least once a day with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and scratch the surface, creating tiny grooves where stains and bacteria collect. Never use hot water, which can warp them and ruin their fit. Brush over a folded towel or a sink filled with water so they are cushioned if you happen to drop them, since dentures can break on a hard surface.
Soak them overnight
Take your dentures out at night and store them in water or a denture-soaking solution. This keeps them moist so they do not dry out and lose their shape, and it gives your gums a chance to rest and recover from the day. Rinse them well in the morning before putting them back in, especially if you used a soaking solution, since some products should not go directly into your mouth. Letting your gums breathe overnight also lowers your risk of irritation and fungal infections.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using hot or boiling water: Heat warps the denture base and changes the fit.
- Whitening toothpaste or bleach: These can be too harsh and may damage the material.
- Letting them dry out: A dry denture can crack or lose its shape.
- Skipping the soak: Overnight soaking keeps them clean and your gums healthy.
- DIY repairs: Home glue can harm the denture; let us handle any repair.
Care for your mouth, too
- Clean your gums: Gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth each day.
- Protect natural teeth: Brush and floss any remaining teeth as usual.
- Watch for sore spots: Persistent irritation may mean the fit needs adjusting.
- Stay hydrated: A dry mouth can make wearing dentures less comfortable.
- Keep up checkups: Routine exams let us monitor your fit and oral health.
When to see your dentist
Even well-cared-for dentures need professional attention from time to time. Over the years, your gums and jaw change shape, so dentures may need to be relined or replaced for a comfortable fit. Contact us if your dentures feel loose, cause sore spots, crack, or no longer fit well, and avoid using over-the-counter glue as a long-term fix. If you would like a more secure option, ask about implant-supported dentures using dental implants, or explore our other general dentistry services. You can book an appointment for a fit check whenever you need one.