How Hygiene Shortcuts Can Damage Your Dentures

You lead a busy life, so naturally you want to save time wherever you can. Caring for your dentures involves multiple (very important) steps, but thankfully that time is put to good use. While it may seem like a good idea to save a few moments by cutting corners on your oral hygiene routine, here’s why when it comes to your smile, slow and steady is the way to go!

Can I Brush My Dentures While They’re in My Mouth?

While there are no rules saying you can’t give your dentures a quick touch-up brush while they’re still in your mouth, this should never replace the full cleaning they get after each meal. To properly care for your prosthetics, you’ll need to take them out completely so that you can remove food and plaque from all sides. This includes the surfaces that contact your gums. Furthermore, you’ll need to floss them, which is usually a lot easier to do when they’re not in your mouth.

Do I Really Need to Soak My Dentures?

When you’re not wearing your dentures, it is important to keep them hydrated so they don’t dry out and become damaged. Thus, be sure to leave them submerged in a glass of either water or denture soak when they’re not in your mouth. Failure to do so could cause them to become warped or cracked, which could result in costly repairs or require complete replacement.

Can I Whiten My Dentures?

Are your dentures looking a bit discolored? Whitening toothpaste or other OTC whitening products may seem like a perfect solution, but the truth is that these products do not work on false teeth. In fact, they can sometimes damage them. Thus, if yours are looking a bit lackluster, speak to your dentist. In some cases, they may just need a professional cleaning, or your dentist may be able to repair them. If not, this could be a great opportunity to replace them with a beautiful new pair!

Can I Repair or Reline My Dentures at Home?

There have been a lot of DIY videos recently about repairing or relining your dentures at home, but this is never a good idea. There are many reasons why it’s better to have a professional fix your prosthetics, but one of the most important ones is that it’s so easy to accidentally worsen the damage doing it yourself, which could ultimately end up completely destroying them or causing what would have been a minor repair to become significantly more involved and expensive. Thus, if your dentures are damaged or don’t fit quite right, it’s best to leave any restoration in the skilled hands of your dentist.

Remember, while it’s natural to want to save time and money when it comes to caring for your dentures, the truth is that DIY repairs, fast fixes, and shortcuts can all damage them. Thus, to ensure that they last as long as possible and stay in excellent condition, follow the care steps recommended by your dentist, and alert him as soon as possible if you notice any damage.

About Dr. Plasha

Dr. Bradford Plasha earned his undergraduate degree at Randolph-Macon College and his dental degree at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. He has also received extensive training in prosthodontics and dental implants and is a Fellow in the International Dental Implant Association. He is a current, active member of the American Dental Association and Pennsylvania Dental Association. To schedule an appointment for dentures with The Dental Spot, please visit our website or call us today at 484-854-6900.