How to Take Care of Dentures

Taking care of your dentures in Cerritos, CA is crucial to maintaining your oral health and ensuring the longevity of your artificial teeth. Like natural teeth, dentures require regular cleaning and care to keep them in top condition. In this blog post, we'll provide you with comprehensive tips on how to take care of your dentures, ensuring they remain comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Understanding Your Dentures

Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are custom-made in a dental laboratory to replace lost or removed natural teeth. They can be full or partial, meaning they can replace all teeth on either the top or bottom gum line, or just a few that are missing. 

• Full dentures are typically removable and are held in place by suction and/or the help of an oral adhesive. 
• Partial dentures, on the other hand, are often attached to natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.

Proper care for your dentures is essential for their durability and your oral health. Unclean dentures can harbor bacteria and plaque, which can lead to oral issues such as gum disease, denture stomatitis, and mouth sores.

Cleaning Your Dentures

Cleaning your dentures daily is as important as brushing your natural teeth. However, dentures require a specific cleaning process:

• Remove and rinse your dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures to remove food particles and other loose debris.
• Handle your dentures carefully. Ensure you don't bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
• Clean your mouth thoroughly after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth.

Maintaining Your Dentures

Maintaining your dentures goes beyond daily cleaning. Here are some additional tips:

• Soak your dentures overnight. Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight.
• Schedule regular dental checkups. Your dentist will advise you about how often to visit, but usual recommendation is every six months.
• Avoid tough-to-eat foods. Hard or sticky foods can damage your dentures, so it's best to avoid them.

Protecting Your Dentures

Protecting your dentures from damage is equally important as cleaning and maintenance. Here are some precautions you can take:

• Don't let your dentures dry out. When not wearing them, place your dentures in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water.
• Don't use hot water, which can cause dentures to warp.
• Protect your dentures from falls. Stand over a folded towel or a sink filled with water when handling your dentures, so they won't break if you drop them.

Avoiding Common Denture Problems

Even with proper care and cleaning, you may encounter some common denture problems. Here's what you can do:

• If your dentures aren't fitting properly, causing discomfort or sores, visit your dentist.
• If you notice chips, cracks, or loose teeth, your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced.
• If you're experiencing difficulty eating or speaking with your dentures, practice can help. If the problem persists, see your dentist.

Get Expert Dental Care in Cerritos, CA

Taking care of your dentures is an essential part of maintaining your oral health. However, it's equally important to have regular check-ups with a trusted dentist. If you're interested in dentures, consider your Cerritos dentist at Cerritos Plaza Dentistry. With a reputation for providing exceptional dental care, Dr. Wu can help ensure your dentures are in great condition and serving you well. Call us today at (562) 924-8663 to schedule your appointment.