HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DENTURE OR PARTIAL
Daily Cleaning
- Fill the sink with water or lay a soft towel down to prevent your denture or partial from breaking.
- Rinse denture/partial under warm water after each meal to remove loose food debris. Avoid excessively hot water as that may cause the denture to warp and not fit properly.
- Brush dentures daily with a soft tooth brush or soft denture brush.
- They can be brushed with warm water, soap or denture paste. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can cause scratches in the acrylic.
- Cleaning tablets can be used while denture is soaking in water. These help to remove light stains and loosen plaque buildup. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions; each type/brand is different.
- After soaking, be sure to rinse thoroughly under warm water before re-inserting into mouth. Mouthwash may be used after rinsing with water to give a fresh taste and feeling.
- When not wearing your denture/partial, always keep them in water or denture solution. Otherwise, the acrylic will dry out over time, causing them to not fit as well and become brittle.
- It is important to remove denture/partials before you go to sleep at night, to allow your gum tissues to breathe. This helps to avoid irritation, discomfort, and infection of the soft tissue beneath your denture.
- While denture/partial is out of mouth, use a dampened washcloth or very soft toothbrush with warm water (or salt water solution) to clean the tissues inside of your mouth. Be sure to wipe the ridges (where the denture sits), tongue, lips, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. Rinsing daily with lukewarm salt water can help keep your gums clean.
- If you wear a partial, it is recommended that you use a separate soft toothbrush from your denture brush to clean your natural teeth.
- Sore spots in your mouth may occur if the denture/partial is putting too much pressure on a particular site. Sore spots may appear as a small mark or wound on the gum tissues.If you experience this, you should visit your dentist so they can make the proper adjustments to relieve the pressure.
- Never try to adjust or repair your denture/partial yourself. You could easily damage them and negatively affect how they fit.
- To soothe your gum tissues, you should remove your dentures and rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
- It is best to stop wearing your denture/partial while sore areas of the mouth are present. However, it is helpful to the dentist if you re-insert them the morning of your appointment. This way it may be easier for the dentist to see the sore areas of your mouth, and determine which area of the denture/partial should be adjusted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach to whiten my dentures?
The answer is no. The bleach will whiten the pink acrylic portion of your denture and may damage them.
Will my dentures ever need to be replaced?
Most likely yes. Your gum tissue is in a constant state of change, and bone loss will occur over time. This will cause your dentures to become loose and ill-fitting. When this occurs, you may visit your dental professional to have them relined, or to fabricate new dentures.
What happens if they break?
Never try to repair them yourself. Bring them to your dental professional so they can be sent to a dental laboratory. You may need to go without them for a few days while they are being repaired; each case is different. If teeth become loose or break off, they can be replaced.
The answer is no. The bleach will whiten the pink acrylic portion of your denture and may damage them.
Will my dentures ever need to be replaced?
Most likely yes. Your gum tissue is in a constant state of change, and bone loss will occur over time. This will cause your dentures to become loose and ill-fitting. When this occurs, you may visit your dental professional to have them relined, or to fabricate new dentures.
What happens if they break?
Never try to repair them yourself. Bring them to your dental professional so they can be sent to a dental laboratory. You may need to go without them for a few days while they are being repaired; each case is different. If teeth become loose or break off, they can be replaced.
Additional Information
Looking for more information? These websites may help!
www.denturewearers.com
www.denturehelp.com
www.dentureliving.com
*Note: Northern Dental Access Center does not endorse these websites. If you have any specific questions please contact your dental professional.
www.denturewearers.com
www.denturehelp.com
www.dentureliving.com
*Note: Northern Dental Access Center does not endorse these websites. If you have any specific questions please contact your dental professional.