Your Complete Guide for Caring for Your Dentures
Denture Care
Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, a denture specialist in Rochester, NY, aims to help your prosthesis last as long as possible. Therefore, he and his team have created a Denture Care Guide to provide you with valuable denture care and maintenance information. Dentures can enhance your smile and self-esteem, but it's essential to know how to maintain them and practice proper hygiene to ensure long-term success.
As always, contact our Prosthodontics office, if you have any additional questions or concerns about your dentures.
Learn How to Care for Your Dentures and Adopt a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
What Can New Denture Wearers Expect?
Congratulations on your new dentures! At first, getting used to your dentures can be somewhat challenging, but we will support you every step of the way.
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Time – Allow yourself and your body time to learn how to use dentures. At first, they may feel unnatural. However, with time, most people can use them with much success.
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Speech – Practice speaking with them as often as possible. Speaking will become easier and clearer with time. It is also expected to have an increase in salivary flow. This is normal.
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Eating – Start eating soft foods and slowly progress to harder foods.
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Extractions – If you've had extractions recently, expect your oral structures to change over time. This may necessitate additional work such as a reline and/or rebase to ensure that your dentures fit properly.
How should I care for my dentures?
Caring for your dentures is not difficult, but you will need to have good oral hygiene routine and know what to avoid. Below is a denture maintenance and care guide.
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After Meals – Remove and rinse your appliance and your mouth with water.
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At Night Before Bed
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Clean dentures with warm water and soap using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Be sure to remove any adhesive.
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Don’t sleep with your dentures. Let your gums rest and “breath”. Keep dentures in a container with water overnight to prevent warping. Never use hot water to clean, rinse, or soak them, as this can alter the shape of your dentures.
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If using denture tablets or other solution made specifically for dentures, please follow their instructions.
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Overnight Storage – After you have cleaned your dentures, dry them and store in a container overnight.
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Cleaning Tablets and Solutions – If you are using cleaning tablets or special solutions, please follow the instructions on the package for proper use. Most tablets should be used for 20-30 minutes. In the morning, brush your teeth, rinse your partial denture and your mouth with water.
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Good Oral Hygiene Commitment – Dentures require proper oral hygiene. This means you will need to commit to maintaining good oral health habits.
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For Partial Dentures – Continue to brush and floss your natural teeth as usual.
What things should I avoid?
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Toothpaste that contains a teeth whitener, peroxide, baking soda, tartar control, or abrasives.
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Effervescent denture cleansers.
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Mouthwash containing alcohol, and colored mouthwash which can color your appliance.
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Avoid using dentures to open bottles or chew hard foods to prevent damage.
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Be careful not to drop your dentures on hard surfaces, as they can break.
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To prevent your dentures from warping or becoming brittle, don't allow them to dry out—always keep dentures moist.
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If you have pets, keep dentures away from their reach. Pets like to chew on dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Denture Care in Rochester, NY
Properly cared for dentures can last an average of 7 to 10 years. Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, denture specialist in Rochester, NY, has compiled a list of care and maintenance tips that will extend the life of your dentures or partial dentures. As always, please contact our prosthodontics office, if you have any questions.
Q: How often should I clean my dentures?
A: You should clean your dentures at least once a day but brushing them twice a day is even better. We recommend brushing your dentures when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night. You should also soak them in water each night.
Q: Can I use regular toothpaste and toothbrush to clean my dentures?
A: Toothpaste can be too abrasive for dentures, causing scratches or cracks. Use warm water and soap with a soft-bristled or special denture toothbrush with round-ended bristles.
Q: Can I use mouthwash if I wear dentures?
A: Certainly. It is advisable to remove your dentures before using standard mouthwash, or alternatively, use a mouthwash formulated specifically for individuals with dentures.
Q: What are the risks of not cleaning dentures daily?
A: If you don’t clean your dentures, plaque can build up, putting you at risk of gum disease and bad breath.
Q: Should I use a denture adhesive?
A: You may use a denture adhesive for a secure fit but avoid using it as a substitute for ill-fitting dentures. Just remember to remove adhesive from your dentures every night with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Q: When should I contact my prosthodontist if I'm having issues with my dentures?
A: Call your prosthodontist if your dentures:
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Become loose and slip
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Feel uncomfortable or ill-fitting
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Make noise when you eat or talk
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Are visibly worn
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Become damaged—do not attempt to alter or repair dentures yourself
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Cause irritation or mouth sores
Q: How often should I have follow-up appointments with my prosthodontist and my primary dentist?
A: Visit your prosthodontist once a year to have your dentures inspected and to make any necessary adjustments. Keep your semi-annual hygiene visits with your primary dentist.
Looking for a denture specialist in Rochester, NY?
Visit Dr. Isaac Kuyunov!
Dr. Kuyunov and his dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss being fitted for dentures or partial dentures and experience the difference of personalized, compassionate dental care.
Call us today at 585-471-5689 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Or click the link below.