Dentures are a cost-effective way to replace some or all of the teeth in your smile. You may think that because your dentures are not your natural teeth, your days of brushing are over. The truth is however that food debris can build up on your dentures, particularly between your dentures and gums and your upper palate. Dentures can also be stained by dark-colored food and beverages and by tobacco use.
Your dentures need to be cleaned at least once a day. This is best done by using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush. Do not clean your dentures with regular toothpaste since it contains abrasives that can damage your dentures. You can use a mild dish soap or hand soap, or a toothpaste formulated to clean dentures. You should clean your dentures over a sink filled with water, or over a towel so that if you drop them, there will be less of a chance that they will break.
Your dentures need to be kept moist, otherwise, they will lose their shape. A denture-soaking solution will take care of that need, and it contains ingredients to help clean your dentures. You can use a denture solution, and there are tablets that dissolve when dropped into water.
When you are cleaning your teeth, don’t forget your gums and your tongue. Plaque can accumulate on your gums, and brushing your gums can also stimulate the blood flow. The bacteria that cause bad breath can gather on your tongue. You can clean your tongue with your toothbrush, scrubbing from the back to the front of the tops and the sides.
If you have questions about maintaining your dentures, or if you are considering have some or all of your teeth replaced, you can make an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Frank Russomanno, Jr. at Amber Leaf Family Dental in Bloomington, Minnesota, call 952.881.0504 today.