Over the last few weeks I have been talking about concerns patients have with dentures, Sadly, I have found many patient’s with false teeth who really don’t understand how to care of them. Caring for your dentures is not difficult, but it does take a little time and effort each day. With regular maintenance and daily attention, your dentures can stay looking and feeling fresh.

Cleaning
The most important thing to remember is to clean your dentures gently and do so daily. Just as you eat with clean silverware, you should eat with clean dentures!  You would be amazed what can grow on a set of false teeth!  But be careful, brushing your dentures too vigorously can cause damage. Abrasive tooth pastes, brushes with rigid bristles and excessively hard brushing can dull denture teeth, cause premature wear and tear, or lead to the thinning of the acrylic lining of your dentures. For gentle and effective daily denture cleaning, use a denture brush with soft bristles, as well as a non-abrasive denture cleaner.

There are also inexpensive electro-sonic denture baths and specialty cleaning products available over-the-counter or from your dentist. These products are generally very economical and they reduce the need for brushing, but do not eliminate it. A thorough rinsing of your dentures after every meal will certainly help you keep your dentures clean.  Never use hot water to clean your teeth as this could potentially warp your dentures. Lukewarm water from the tap will do just fine. Keep dentures in clean, cold water when they are not being worn.

When cleaning your dentures, do so over a sink partially full of water, or drape a soft towel in the sink basin. This will serve to minimize breakage in the event you accidentally drop your dentures.

Oral Care
Each time you remove your dentures for cleaning, some care and attention should be given to your gums and ridges. Using a clean finger, massage your gums, both upper and lower, for a minute or two. This can also be done with a clean, soft toothbrush. This serves to stimulate blood flow to the area which helps promote healthy gums. You can also rinse your mouth several times a day with warm salt water to help heal any chafing or rubbing caused by the dentures, both new and old.

Most importantly, remove your dentures each night or at least for a few hours a day to allow the tissue and oral structures supporting the dentures to rest. Just as you remove shoes, glasses or clothing when you go to bed, so should you remove your dentures. You were not born with them and it is unhealthy to wear them all the time.  It has been proven that patients who never remove their dentures have a higher risk of oral cancer, an increased bacterial count in the mouth and excessive damage to the tissue and ridges that result in a loss of fit.

As I have mentioned before, it is best to save the teeth God gave you, but in some situations it just isn’t possible.  If that is the case, I hope these tips have helped.  As always, if you have any questions e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Have a great week.