Learn how to keep your dentures clean and healthy.
Our Cedar Rapids, IA, family dentist Dr. Amy Stodola & Dr. Renee Maikon are dedicated to restoring your smile after tooth loss. If you’ve turned to us to get custom-fitted dentures, then you may, along the way, have questions about how to care for them. Here are simple tips and advice for handling, cleaning and caring for your new teeth,
Always be gentle
Just as you wouldn’t manhandle contact lenses or glasses you also want to be gentle with your dentures whenever you are taking them out or cleaning them. Being too rough on your dentures, particularly when cleaning, could damage clasps or attachments. A soft touch will go a long way.
Don’t wear dentures to bed
It might be tempting just to leave your teeth overnight but taking them out and soaking them in water or denture solution will also give your gums a little rest from wearing and supporting dentures all day. Just make sure you don’t leave your dentures on the nightstand, as drying out your dentures can cause them to warp. If you do use a denture solution make sure to follow the instructions thoroughly, as you will need to rinse your dentures thoroughly each morning before putting them in your mouth.
Clean denture after meals
Just as most people need to rinse their mouth out with water or an antimicrobial rinse between meals, denture wearers also need to rinse out their dentures after eating. Rinsing your dentures under running water can remove food particles and bacteria, as well as prevent the accumulation of plaque. You may also choose to place a towel in the sink, so if you do happen to accidentally drop your dentures, it has a soft, safe spot to land.
Brush twice a day
False teeth and natural teeth should be treated the same way. This means that you should be brushing your teeth with a denture-approved cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This is on top of rinsing your dentures between meals. Rinsing your dentures is not the same as brushing them, and the better your oral hygiene routine is the longer your dentures will last.
Visit the dentist
It’s important that you take time out of your schedule twice a year to visit our Cedar Rapids, IA, dentists for simple routine cleanings. These checkups are important for examining your teeth and gums to make sure your smile is healthy, as well as checking the fit of your dentures to see if they need adjustments.
Due to the coronavirus, all routine checkups before May 1st, 2020 will need to be rescheduled; however, the dentists at Cedar Rapids, IA, are still providing treatment to those with dental emergencies. We will respond to your requests and issues as quickly as possible. If you’re dealing with a severe toothache, oral swelling or trauma please call Family SmileCare Center at (319) 362-8657.
