Keep Your Dentures Safe and Sound

Just as with all of your possessions that you value and use every day, your dentures must be stored properly when not in use. You rely on them to speak, eat and retain the natural shape of your mouth. These devices comprise full and partial dentures. Storing your dentures correctly helps ward off damage to them and keeps them fresh and clean. 

The office of Dental Specialists of Darien is committed to providing all of our patients with excellent attention and care. A prosthodontist is a dentist with advanced specialty training who create optimal oral health in function and appearance. During your initial appointment, you will tell us what you want us to accomplish. We’ll then evaluate your situation, answer all of your questions, and explain your options clearly and concisely. 

Dentures must be cleaned because, as with natural teeth, they can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. Proper denture storage helps them not dry out or lose their shape, which would make them lose their shape. 

It’s best to stow your dentures in clean water or a denture-cleaning solution. The solution can reduce the fungi and bacteria that naturally form, as well as the odors that would result. When using a solution that employs dissolving tablets, don’t use hot water, it can make the dentures warp. And always adhere to a solution’s instructions for use. If you keep your dentures in a solution, rinse them before returning them to your mouth. Denture-storage solutions include chemicals that, if swallowed, can promote pain, burns and vomiting. 

Here are some additional tips:

Do: 

• Keep your dentures moist so they retain their shape.
• Stash the container somewhere safe so your dentures won’t get lost, knocked over or accidentally thrown away. 
• See your prosthodontist if your dentures no longer fit well in your mouth. 

Don’t:

• Leave in your dentures overnight. And after you do remove them every night, brush them as you would your natural teeth, which removes plaque, bacteria and debris. 
• Use a toothbrush with hard bristles or abrasive toothpaste. 
• Try to whiten your dentures in any way; the products or solutions are damaging.

We at the office of Dental Specialists of Darien are experts in our field. Our main goal is to exceed all of your expectations. We pride ourselves on our never-ending ability to provide superior patient care. For more information about our practice and how we can help you, please call us to schedule an appointment.