5 Ways To Damage Your Dentures

Proper Denture care is just as important for the life of your dentures as it is for your ongoing oral health. Caring for your dentures is caring for yourself. Here are 5 surefire ways to damage your dentures, and how to choose better alternatives that may help your dentures in Carrollton last longer and help maintain a healthy mouth and gums.

1. Repair Dentures Yourself

Bending, adjusting, or using a do-it-yourself denture repair kit can require you to replace your dentures sooner rather than later. They may seem to save you money now, but will cost more in the long run. Caring for your dentures begins with letting professionals make sure all adjustments and repairs are done with care and precision.

2. Leave Them to Dry

Leaving Dentures out to dry can cause damage down the road. Keeping dentures moist in a cup of water when not in use can keep them in prime condition. Some dentures have parts that may be affected by sitting in a solution for long periods, so ask your dentist the best way to care for your dentures when they are not in use and to retain their moisture.

3. Brush Them With Toothpaste

Brushing Dentures with a soft-bristled brush is an important part of their care, but the abrasive ingredients in toothpaste can cause microabrasions that make it harder to keep your dentures clean over time. Avoid using toothpaste when cleaning your dentures, and ask your dentist about what you can use to clean them gently.

4. Use Household Cleansers to Clean Them

It may be tempting to bleach your Dentures to ensure a thorough clean. Bleach can discolor the pink portion of the dentures, making them white. Avoid using bleach when cleaning your dentures. Other household cleaners can also damage your dentures with abrasive or damaging chemicals. Mild dish soap and hand soap are gentle cleansers that work well when caring for your dentures. Rinsing your dentures with water after every meal can also help keep your mouth clean and fresh.

5. Don’t Clean Your Mouth

Cleaning only your dentures while neglecting to brush your cheeks, gums, tongue, and mouth can allow harmful plaque buildup that can damage your dentures. Using a soft-bristled brush can help keep your mouth clean while wearing dentures and maintain your oral health.

Lastly, even if you have a full or partial set of dentures, seeing your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning is still important for your oral health and denture care. Call to make an appointment at our Carrollton Dental Office to have your dentures and mouth cleaned. We would be glad to help you maintain good oral health and care for your dentures.

Conclusion

Dentures can restore your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident, but everyday habits can affect how well they perform and how long they last. Using hot water, abrasive cleaners, harsh household products, chewing very hard or sticky foods, or attempting repairs at home can damage dentures or affect their fit. Daily cleaning, careful handling, proper storage, and routine dental checkups can help keep your dentures comfortable and in good condition.

At iO Dentistry Carrollton, Dr. Kim Ly Nguyen can evaluate your dentures, check their fit, and help address discomfort, damage, or changes in your oral health. If your dentures feel loose, cause irritation, or are cracked or broken, schedule an appointment for professional evaluation and personalized care.

Visit our dental practice in Carrollton to discuss your denture concerns and learn how proper care and professional maintenance can help protect your oral health and your dental appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I keep my dentures in good condition?

Clean them daily with a nonabrasive denture cleanser, handle them carefully, and store them properly when you’re not wearing them.

2. Can hot water damage dentures?

Yes. Hot or boiling water can cause dentures to warp and change their fit.

3. What should I use to clean my dentures?

Use a denture cleanser and a soft brush. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, and harsh products that may damage the denture material.

4. What should I do if my dentures become loose?

Have them checked by a dentist. A loose denture may need an adjustment or reline, not an at-home repair.

5. Can I repair a cracked or broken denture myself?

It is best to have a dentist evaluate it. DIY repairs or household glues can damage the appliance and make professional repair more difficult.