Jacksonville dentist Dr. Lysandro Tapnio tailors all treatment to meet his patients’ individual needs. But, some routines are so optimal, such as caring for your denture, that every denture patient needs to know the following. If your denture requires special handling for insertion and removal, Dr. Tapnio will provide you with instructions and help you learn how to do it.
Why You Need to Clean Your Denture Daily and Protect It from Damage
Food particles collect on dentures and can easily become trapped between the denture and your oral tissue. The rougher the surface of the denture is, the more easily food particles adhere to the surface. Removal of food debris is extremely important to control bacteria, prevent potential bad breath, and maintain health.
Bad breath is a common problem for denture wearers, because trapped food particles turn rancid within hours. When food particles collect on a denture, the bacteria that feed on this food can infect your gum tissue and the palate of your mouth. The resulting inflammation can develop into mouth sores and periodontal gum disease, which affects not only your oral health but also your total body health. In addition to health concerns, you no doubt want your denture to serve you for a long time. Careful handling of your denture will protect it and cleaning will maintain its optimal appearance for the longest possible time.
The healthier your mouth is, the longer your denture will fit well in your mouth. If periodontal disease takes root, the bone ridge against which your denture rests could diminish in size, and the gum tissue that conforms to the bone could also change shape. A change in fit is not uncommon over a period of years, but you will want your denture to fit well for as long as possible before needing to have it relined to fit or having to have a new one made.
Steps to Keep Your Denture Optimally Clean and Protected
- Remove your denture with care. Protect it from breakage. Perhaps, always place it on a folded hand towel or washcloth on your sink counter, where it won’t be bumped and fall, hitting a hard surface. (Accidentally stepping on a denture can lead to the need for a new one. And beloved family dogs have been known to eat them. Guard against such common mishaps.)
- Once your denture is out of your mouth, you can brush your remaining teeth and floss them. Note that regular toothpaste contains ingredients that can scratch, corrode and stain dentures. Remove your denture before brushing your remaining teeth with traditional toothpaste, then rinse your mouth, so the toothpaste is not in contact with your denture when you put it back in your mouth.
- Brush your denture, using a non-abrasive denture toothpaste which is made specifically for dentures. Many ADA-approved denture toothpastes are available over the counter. Use a soft bristle toothbrush. Rinse the denture thoroughly after brushing.
- In addition to brushing, soak your denture in an ADA-approved cleansing solution made for dentures. These are widely available for purchase over the counter. Follow the cleansing solution’s package instructions. Soaking for 3 to 5 minutes may be sufficient to help remove stains and kill bacteria brushing misses, but to keep your denture clean and safe, we recommend soaking it overnight every night while you are asleep.
- Always rinse and dry your denture before putting it back in your mouth.
Avoid Eating Hard and Sticky Foods
Sticky candy, hard candy, and hard foods such as nuts and popcorn kernels increase your risk of breaking your dentures while biting and chewing. Hard foods can roughen the surface of your dentures, making them more difficult to clean. You need balanced nutrition and plenty of fluids every day to stay healthy. Choose wisely. If you love nuts, chop them into small pieces and sprinkle them on softer foods.
Make Sure to Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Dr. Lysandro Tapnio will examine your denture every time you visit our Jacksonville, FL office. He will check its fit, look for signs of wear or other damage, and evaluate its appearance. Based on changes he observes in your mouth and on your denture, Dr. Tapnio will advise you appropriately. Just as with your natural teeth, finding any problems early and addressing them will result in less extensive treatment. If you have concerns about the fit, function, or appearance of your denture–or feel discomfort when wearing it, call immediately to schedule an appointment. Learn about
Want to Learn about Dental Implant Treatment?
Dr. Tapnio has expertise in replacing dentures with implant treatment. If you find wearing a denture interferes with your quality of life, please schedule an implant consultation to learn what is possible for you. Our comprehensive implant services mean that you can have all procedures related to your implant treatment performed in the comfort of our office without be referred to specialists.