3 Cleaning Hacks to Extend the Durability of Your Dentures
Posted on: 26 April 2018
Dentures are affordable and easy-to-use restorations for replacing missing teeth. They blend in seamlessly with the rest of the natural teeth and allow you to showcase a beautiful smile even after losing one or more teeth. However, these tooth restorations require regular cleaning and proper maintenance to preserve their appearance and functionality. Without adequate care, they can become loose, fall and crack, forcing you to get a new set. This article will teach you some simple cleaning tips that will prolong the durability of your dentures.
Brush after every meal
Just like your natural teeth, dentures trap food particles after eating. So, you should clean them after every meal to maintain proper dental hygiene. Remove the dentures from your mouth, put some toothpaste on a toothbrush, and gently brush the dentures to get rid of the food particles. Clean the gum area of the denture as well to prevent the bad breath that results from bacteria feeding on the food remains. If you are at the office and cannot go through a whole cleaning routine, don't be alarmed. Swish some water in your mouth after eating to dislodge food particles from the dentures.
Soak them in warm water
If you are unable to clean your dentures after every meal, you can set aside some time in the evening to clean them before going to bed. In your bathroom, run the dentures under warm water to get rid of food particles. If you notice an unpleasant smell on the restorations, fill the sink with warm water and soak the dentures for around 30 minutes. After that, use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the dentures and get rid of the nasty smells.
Note that you shouldn't hold dentures over an empty sink when cleaning them. They can easily slip out of your hands, fall and crack. Make sure that the sink has some water in it when cleaning the dentures to protect them from falling on the hard surface.
Avoid abrasives
In a bid to keep your dentures sparkling clean, you may be tempted to use abrasives such as hard brushes, scouring pads and scrapers. These tools will do more harm than good to your restorations. Only use a toothbrush and a soft piece of cloth to clean the dentures. Do not use boiling water for cleaning. The high temperatures can damage the restorations and cause them to fit loosely in the mouth.
Follow these tips when cleaning your dentures to protect them from damage. However, if they do fall, crack or become loose, don't hesitate to visit a denture clinic for denture repairs.
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