If you have dentures, you might be thinking that you’re mostly off the hook as far as oral hygiene goes, but that’s not the case! To keep them clean, free from stains, and looking their best (to keep you looking your best, of course!) you have to establish a proper denture care routine. At Middletown Commons Family Dental, we have plenty of tips for denture care, whether you have full or partial dentures:

• Remove and rinse your dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures after eating to remove food particles. It might be helpful to place a towel on the counter or in the sink to avoid damage in case you drop them.
• Clean your whole mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on your natural teeth and also brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. This helps to remove the bacteria in your whole mouth, because the bacteria on your tongue can transfer to your teeth and your dentures. Cleaning your tongue and the rest of your mouth will stop it for spreading and combat bad breath.
• Handle your dentures carefully. Be careful not to bend the plastic or break the clasps while cleaning your dentures.
• Brush your dentures daily. But not with toothpaste, as toothpaste is abrasive and can cause scratches that lead to plaque and food buildup, as well as stains. Use denture cleaner (or hand soap, if you’re really in a pinch) with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your dentures. Don’t use denture cleaner in your mouth.
• Soak your dentures overnight. Dentures need to be kept moist to keep their shape, so keep them in water or a gentle denture soaking solution overnight. Never use hot or boiling water, as this can warp the plastic. Also, make sure you rinse your dentures after they have been in a dental soaking solution. Contact us if you have any questions about storing your dentures overnight.
• Schedule regular dental checkups. Loose dentures can cause soreness, irritation, and infection. Slippage can cause discomfort. Come and see us regularly to make sure that your dentures still fit properly and that they aren’t negatively affecting your oral health.
• Broken? Call us and come see Dr. Ward! Never try to fix your dentures at home because this can damage them beyond repair.

When you have dentures, you should generally avoid the following:

• Stiff-bristled toothbrushes, powerful cleansers, and harsh toothpaste. These are all too rough on dentures and can cause scratches. It’s best to steer clear of abrasive cleaning materials.
• Whitening toothpastes. These are especially abrasive and should not be used on dentures.
• Bleach products. Although it may be tempting to use bleach products on your dentures, don’t! Bleach products can weaken dentures and change the color of the pink part. Bleach products also often contain chlorine and that can corrode the metal attachments on some dentures and also cause tarnish.
• Hot water. Remember, hot or boiling water can warp your dentures.

Call us whenever you have questions about the fit or care of your dentures! At Middletown Commons Family Dental, we want you to enjoy years of great-looking, well-fitting dentures.