How to care for your Dentures, from Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk

Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance in order to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Here are a few tips on how to keep your dentures clean and healthy:

• When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.

• Even if you have a full set of dentures, it’s important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.

• Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it’s important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures being careful not to break or bend the plastic. In between brushings, it’s important to rinse your dentures after each meal.

• Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk about which products may be best for you.

• When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk which solution is best for you.

These simple tips will help you keep your dentures clean and your mouth healthy! If by chance your dentures do break, there are special at-home kits that will help you repair them, but it is always best to call Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.