Dentures can last for years, as long as you care for them well. During their lifetime, dentures can help you to eat, speak and feel confident in the appearance of your smile. Use these five denture care tips to keep your false teeth looking and feeling good.
1. Clean Dentures Daily
Like original teeth, dentures require daily cleaning to prevent the build-up of dental plaque. After each meal, rinse your dentures with water to remove leftover traces of food. Before you go to bed, remove your dentures and place them in a denture soaking solution. This solution fights bacteria and gently breaks down compounds that can lead to stains over time.
2. Eat a Denture-Friendly Diet
Dentures can help you enjoy eating a wide variety of foods, but there are a few things that you should avoid if you want to keep your false teeth in good condition. Very hard foods, such as nuts and hard candies, can exert large forces when you bite down on them, leading to your dentures bending out of shape. Very sticky foods, such as toffees, can also pose a problem by sticking to dentures and pulling them out of position. Swap these sweet treats for softer alternatives to prevent embarrassment.
3. Never Let Dentures Dry Out
Dentures are designed to be kept moist at all times. If you let them dry out, the materials that mold the dentures to your gums can become brittle and become misshapen. While wearing your dentures, sip water to keep them moist and healthy. When you take them out, always remember to soak them in cleaning solution or water.
4. Remove Unsightly Stains
Over the years, compounds from foods and drinks can build up on the denture surface, causing them to gradually change colour from white to yellow or brown. You might not notice this colour change right away, but over time it can make your smile look less attractive. The good news is that you can remove stains and restore the original whiteness of your dentures by soaking them in a stain removal solution overnight.
5. See Your Dentist Regularly
During your routine dental checkups, your dentist can assess the fit of your dentures and determine whether they need adjusting, as well as check the health of your teeth and gums. Let your dentist know if your dentures are causing you any discomfort or if the fit no longer feels secure.
