Caring for Dentures

Proper denture care can prolong the life of your restoration and benefit your oral health. Drs. Mark Luria and Rena Allswang at Dearborn Family Dentistry in Dearborn, MI, believe in the importance of patient education, and invite you to learn more about how to maintain your dentures.

dentures in water
                  Knowing how to take care of your dentures can save you time, money, and hassle.

Your Denture Care Checklist

Whether you use a partial or full-arch restoration, removable dentures must receive proper care. To keep dentures in excellent condition, patients should:

  • Remember to remove and clean dentures after a meal. Rinse your dentures with water to get rid of leftover bits of food. 
  • Brush your dentures. In addition to cleaning them after every meal, gently brush dentures with a soft toothbrush and soak them in a nonabrasive denture cleanser at least once daily. This keeps your dentures sanitized and clear of any food or plaque buildup.
  • Take care when handling your dentures. It is important to keep from bending or damaging the plastic or clasps when sanitizing your dentures.
  • Do not forget about the rest of your mouth. When removing your dentures at night or after eating, use a soft-bristled toothbrush on any remaining teeth. Clean your tongue, cheeks, and palate with either gauze or a soft toothbrush, and ensure your gums are free of any leftover denture adhesive. 
  • Remove and soak dentures while you sleep. Dentures require moisture to maintain their shape. To keep your dentures in the best condition possible, you can soak them in either water or a gentle solution overnight. 
  • After an overnight soak, do not forget to rinse. Denture soaking solution could leave more than a bad taste in your mouth. These solutions contain ingredients that might be unsafe for your mouth without a thorough rinse, so be sure to wash off your dentures after soaking them overnight.
  • Visit the dentist regularly. Our dentists will need to regularly inspect and professionally clean your dentures to ensure their effectiveness and longevity, and will let you know how often you should come in for a visit. Regular checkups also allow your dentist to monitor your smile for any signs of health issues.
  •  Loose fit? Let us know! Loose dentures can be more than just an annoyance. This can result in irritation, sores, and infection, so it is important to notify us if you notice that your dentures feel loose.

In addition to daily at-home denture care, it is also important to visit the dentist regularly.

What to Avoid

When cleaning your dentures, opt for more gentle cleansers and toothpastes since abrasive cleaning products can negatively impact both appearance and wear. Also, you should not use whitening toothpastes to clean your dentures. The color of dentures does not respond to this kind of toothpaste. 

It is also important that denture patients steer clear of products that contain bleach, as these can make dentures discolored and weak. This is especially true if your dentures have metal parts, since the chlorine could tarnish and corrode the metal. While some patients might think that boiling or hot water sounds like a good idea for sterilizing their dentures, the temperature of the water could actually alter the shape of your dentures and disrupt the fit.

Call Us Today

In addition to daily at-home denture care, it is also important to visit the dentist regularly. If you have questions about caring for your dentures or need to schedule your next visit, contact us online today or call us at (313) 565-5507.

Dearborn Family Dentistry Office

Dearborn Family Dentistry

Dearborn Family Dentistry is a comprehensive dental practice that has been serving the Dearborn, MI, area for more than 70 years. We welcome whole families and are available for dental emergencies. Our dentists are affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Michigan Dental Association
  • The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • The International Congress of Oral Implantologists

To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call (313) 565-5507. We hope to see you soon!

Contact Us Today

"Our dentists are passionate about helping patients. Drs. Mark Luria and Rena Allswang all began careers in dentistry to improve not only their patients' smiles, but also the quality of their lives."

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