Easy Maintenance Tips for Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Dentures

Dentures become essential for many older adults who have lost multiple teeth. Whether you use a set of Easy Dentures, a traditional pair from your dentist or an implant-supported set, this restorative solution improves bite strength, speech, how you chew and confidence.

With the right care, a pair of dentures lasts up to 10 years. Learn more about maintaining your set to extend its lifespan:

Daily Cleaning and Handling

Your dentures function like your natural teeth: They let you bite down into foods and improve your enunciation. Yet, they also accumulate plaque and food particles and are exposed to saliva throughout the day - factors that gradually wear them down with time, irritate your gums and increase infection risks.

As a common misconception, many believe dentures don't need cleaning because they're not natural teeth! However, you're recommended to adhere to a cleaning routine including the following:

• Wash your dentures at least once per day, using cool water, a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive, denture-specific toothpaste. Pay close attention to the areas that sit directly against your gums, and be sure to remove any adhesive.
• At the end of the day, remove your dentures and soak them overnight in a dental cleansing solution and room-temperature water. Always wash your dentures before putting them back into your mouth to limit exposure to the cleansing chemicals.
• Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to wash away larger food particles.
• Avoid slipping your dentures in and out: Even flexible dentures are somewhat delicate. Instead, remove them over a folded towel or other soft surface.
• Avoid cleaning your dentures with traditional toothpaste, as it abrades and can damage the surface. Similarly, avoid products with peroxide, as this causes bleaching and fading.
• Never rinse or store your dentures in hot water: Doing so softens the material and distorts their shape.

Storage

As mentioned, make sure you soak your dentures whenever they're not in your mouth. Leaving them out causes the material to dry out, affecting their shape and how your set fits onto your gums.

Don't Ignore Dental Hygiene

In addition to maintaining your dentures, don't ignore your gums or existing teeth. Continue with recommended dental practices to control bacteria, plaque and tartar, preserve your existing teeth and lower your risks for gingivitis, periodontitis and jawbone loss.

Generally, this routine entails:

• Taking out, brushing and soaking your dentures before cleaning your mouth.
• Brushing your existing teeth with a soft-bristled brush. Follow this step with flossing and mouthwash.
• Using a softer brush to clean your tongue, cheeks and palate.
• Removing any denture adhesive sticking to your gums.
• Gently brushing your gums.
• Scheduling routine visits with your dentist: During these visits, your dentist examines your natural teeth and gums for signs of infection, decay and wear and further ensures that your dentures continue to fit your mouth, including size and how well they stay in place.
• If your dentures no longer fit you - including they slide around during use or slip out of your mouth - schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Try out the Easy Denture™ through Senior.com! Learn more about this solution and how it varies from traditional dentures.