In order to enjoy the benefits of your dentures for as long as possible, it’s important to care for them properly. All it takes are a few simple steps.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 120 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth, and over 36 million are missing all of their teeth. As a result, dentures have become a common and valuable dental tool that helps people regain a full and confident smile.

But that doesn’t mean it is a free pass to ignore or slack on dental hygiene. Just like with natural teeth, keeping your artificial teeth clean is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. 

Why Is It Important To Keep Dentures Clean?

Dentures are not immune to the same staining and germ buildups that occur with natural teeth. When they’re dirty, they become more susceptible to wear and physical damage, and you’ll end up having to replace them far sooner than you would otherwise need to.

In addition, leaving dentures in your mouth for a long time can cause them to dry out, which is detrimental to helping them retain their shape so they fit comfortably and securely on your gums.

What Happens if You Don’t Properly Take Care of Your Dentures?

If not dealt with, the accumulation of plaque, calculus, and biofilm on your dentures can lead to mouth-related health issues like inflammation, mouth ulcers, and thrush, to name just a few.

Some signs that your artificial teeth may need fixing or replacing include chronic irritation or inflammation around the gums, unsteadiness when eating or talking, and visible degradation of the denture material. If you’ve had your artificial teeth for more than five years, it is also worth scheduling a dentist appointment to see if you need a new set.

Cleaning 101

Just like with natural teeth, regular cleanings are essential. Aim to clean at least once daily, especially after meals and/or right before bed. It’s a relatively simple process and requires a soft-bristled toothbrush, water, cleaning solution, and an optional soft towel.

• Rinse. First, take out your teeth and wash them with water to remove as much food debris and loose particles as possible. Be sure to handle them carefully — you don’t want them bending or breaking! Also, avoid using hot or boiling water, as it may cause the dentures to warp.

• Clean your mouth. If they are dirty, it probably means your mouth is dirty too. Gently clean any teeth, your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Be sure to remove any residual adhesive, if it was used.

• Clean the dentures. Use the soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive denture cleaner to thoroughly wash away germs, hidden food deposits, and adhesive.

• Soak. Your gums need time to rest. At the end of the day, remove and soak your dentures in an ADA-approved cleaning solution. This will thoroughly sanitize and help extend their lifespan. Be sure to properly rinse off the solution before putting them back into your mouth.

• Schedule regular dental checkups. Even if you’re missing a few or all of your teeth, going to the dentist on a regular basis is extremely important for professional cleaning and evaluations.

Make an Appointment with Espire

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s La Mesa location today for all of your denture needs and more! Our highly trained dentists can make sure that you are properly fitted, so you can continue smiling confidently. 

Don’t live near our La Mesa, CA office? Find one of our other locations spread across the Western and Midwestern US!

La Mesa, CA
8555 Fletcher Pkwy 
Suite 102 
La Mesa, CA 91942