Denture Discussion: 4 Ways to Elongate Their Lifespan

Tooth loss can impact your daily quality of life because without them, it’s difficult to form certain words or to consume their favorite foods. Many adults feel frustrated or embarrassed when they can’t have normal conversations or enjoy meals with family or friends.

Fortunately, dentures can help you eat and speak more normally which can improve your daily quality of life. They’ve become the tried-and-true method for refurbishing your mouth because of it. That said, it’s important to care for them properly so that you get the most benefit out of them. Keep reading to learn 4 ways to lengthen the life of your dentures!

#1: Rinse After Meals

Though they can’t get cavities like your natural pearly whites, food can still stick to them and attract unhealthy bacteria that can cause gum disease. You can prevent this by rinsing away any leftover bits of food after you eat. To do this, simply hold your dentures under running water to clear away any debris.

#2: Clean Your Mouth

It defeats the purpose of regularly washing your dentures if you’re putting them back into a germy mouth. Therefore, it’s important to keep your gums and any remaining natural teeth clean, as well. You should maintain a regular oral hygiene routine of brushing your gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and any additional teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This eradicates the toxic microbes that cause gingivitis.

#3: Use the Right Products

Many patients inadvertently damage their dentures by exposing them to products that are too abrasive. To keep them in top condition, avoid:

• Whitening pastes. Your dentures can become stained, and you might be tempted to apply whitening toothpaste or strips to them. Unfortunately, these contain peroxide which isn’t effective on false teeth.
• Cleaning solutions. Some patients turn to household cleaners to scrub their dentures when they realize whitening solutions won’t work. This will only hurt them further.
• Harsh supplies. Stiff-bristled toothbrushes and strong toothpastes can gouge the surface of your dentures which bacteria can settle into.
• Hot water. Exposing your dentures to overly hot water can warp them. Once they’ve lost their shape, they won’t fit correctly in your mouth anymore.

#4: Keep Up with Your Dentist

You should see your dentist once every 6 months for a checkup. They’ll take this time to examine the condition of your mouth as well as your dentures and will let you know if there are any areas of concern to look out for. If you’ve noticed that your dentures are loose or click when you’re speaking or eating, be sure to let them know. It could be time to have them relined or replaced.

Now that you know how to care for your dentures properly, you can make the most of them for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Sowmya Kumar provides families with a full range of dental services to meet all their oral healthcare needs. She achieved her Bachelor of Architecture at Mangalore University before getting married and moving to the United States. She then completed her Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Central Florida in Orlando before pursuing her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She brings a wealth of unique knowledge and experience to her practice so whether you require a simple cleaning or need a full set of dentures, she can help! You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (321) 631-4334.