If you have dentures or plan on getting them, you should know that denture care is essential if you want to avoid oral health problems. Here, we will go through a few things you need to know about care, and if you are looking for dentures in Hickory Hills, we have all the answers you need.

Why Is It Important to Properly Clean Dentures?

The most important thing if you wear dentures is to keep them clean. It can have a significant impact on oral health and affect your natural teeth. Failing to clean dentures properly is likely to result in a buildup of bacteria and other dental problems. Also, keeping your dental implants clean will make them look better.

Unfortunately, bacteria can be just the beginning of all the problems improper denture care can bring. Using the wrong cleaning solution or techniques can also damage the device, which is another way that leads to an infection. So, the only way to be safe when using dentures is to keep them clean. 

Types of Dentures

Before we go into all the details about cleaning, we should take a moment to talk about different types of dentures. When people talk about false teeth, they often imagine what is called full or traditional dentures. These are designed to replace existing teeth, and they cover gums and tissues as well.

The second most common type is partial dentures. Here, we can notice two subcategories, i.e., removable and fixed partial dentures. There are also implant-retained dentures, which have anchorage for the device. The type of dentures you own will play an important role in the cleaning process. While the general idea is the same, you won’t use the same method for partial and full dentures. 

How to Clean Dentures?

How to clean partial dentures? What is the best way to clean dentures? If you have removable or partial dentures, the first step is to take them off. This will make cleaning significantly easier. Regardless of the type of dentures you own, you will need to be careful. Damaging something is more than easy, and any scratch or damage to it can be a fertile ground for bacteria.

Once the dentures are removed, you can proceed to clean your mouth. For teeth, it is highly recommended to use a soft toothbrush, and for the tongue, you can use gauze or a toothbrush. In case you are using some form of denture adhesive, now is the time to remove it. 

Those that remove dentures overnight can leave them either in water or in a denture-soaking solution. This will ensure that dentures remain moist and ready for use as soon as you wake up.

Brushing your dentures with warm water or denture cleaner will be more than enough. Just remember to avoid hard toothbrushes, and to rinse dentures before putting them inside. If there is any type of problem with dentures, it is a clear sign that you should pay your dentist a visit. Don’t wait for a problem to worsen with time if you can solve it as soon as you see it. 

What to Avoid?

There are a few other things you need to remember about cleaning the dentures. We mentioned that you should soak the denture in water overnight, but the important thing here is to avoid hot water no matter what. Heat can change the shape of dentures, which will only cause additional problems for your mouth.

The next thing on the list is abrasive products. Anything that is abrasive should be avoided at all costs. This includes stiff-bristled toothbrushes, harsh cleaners, anything with high levels of chemicals, and even some types of toothpaste. This is why using water and a soft toothbrush to clean dentures is often the best solution. 

Abrasive materials can cause damage to dentures, and even though the scratches might be microscopic, they will still be a place where bacteria can accumulate with time. Furthermore, whitening products often include peroxide that can affect the color of the dentures. Other chemicals you should avoid are any that contain bleach or chlorine since they can cause discoloration and damage to the device.

In case you notice damage on the dentures, or if the dentures are broken, the last thing you should do is to try to repair it by yourself. In case something like this happens, call your dentist and schedule an appointment. 

How Often to Clean?

Cleaning dentures will do wonders for your health, it will lower the chances of gum disease, and it will ensure your dentures remain usable for a long time. So, the question here is — How often do you need to clean dentures? Well, you will need to clean dentures at least once a day or, ideally, after every meal. Whenever you eat something, even if it is a snack, you will need to clean dentures.

While we mentioned that cleaning dentures with toothpaste is not a good idea, you should still use toothpaste on your natural teeth, tongue, gums, the roof of your mouth, and so on. 

As for those that own partial dentures, flossing is still highly recommended, and you should do it at least once a day. Using mouthwash can also be helpful. Just keep in mind that there is a mouthwash that can be used with dentures if you don’t plan on removing them while rinsing your mouth. 

When to Talk to Your Dentist?

If you have any type of problem with your dentures, it is time to talk to your dentist. In addition to regular checkups, that is. You need to schedule an appointment every couple of months to ensure that everything is in order.

You might notice that they no longer fit well, or that there is a sound when eating. This is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Naturally, any type of damage or break is a reason to visit your dentist. 

But problems with dentures can also include soreness, bleeding, and any type of discomfort. So, if you notice anything that concerns you, tell your dentist all about it during your next visit. 

If you don't have a dentist yet, you can check out this dentist in Tarzana to get started.