Denture Care Los Angeles, CA
Proper denture care is an essential part of a daily routine. Full and partial dentures should be cleaned daily to remove bacteria. Regular care keeps your dentures free from stains and your mouth in good health. On this page, we break down the steps to take when caring for dentures and how to make sure your mouth stays healthy.
If you would like to talk to someone directly for advice on your care regimen, Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS is here for you. You may reach us by phone at (310) 402-0156. Our practice has experience treating patients in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
Taking Care of Dentures
Daily care for full and removable partial dentures follows a different regimen than care for natural teeth. For instance, as part of your routine after eating, you should rinse your dentures to remove any food particles and bacteria.
At least once a day, preferably before going to bed, you should follow these steps to keep your dentures clean and in good shape:
- Safely remove dentures after eating. A University of Michigan study recommends taking them out over a towel or sink filled with water. Dropping dentures, even just a few inches above a hard surface, can cause them to crack or break.
- Rinse and brush dentures with soft bristles and no toothpaste. Run your dentures under a sink to remove plaque and food particles. It is best to use brushes and cleaners specifically designed for dentures. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquids are also acceptable cleaners. However, most household cleaners could damage dentures and are not advised. Never use toothpaste to clean dentures as it is too abrasive. After running your dentures under water, rinse and apply cleaner to the brush. Scrub your dentures gently, moving the brush’s bristles over every surface. Brushing too hard could alter the shape of the plastic and affect the metal band attachments.
- Put dentures in cool water or solution overnight. Dentures may only be placed in cool water as warm water can warp its shape. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentures must also stay moist at all times. Some dentures should only be placed in water as a solution may dull the metal attachments. If a solution is advised, there are several popular brands to choose: Efferdent®, Polident®, and Retainer Brite®. We can recommend whether to use a solution in your daily denture care.
- Once dentures are set aside, brush your teeth and gums with a soft-bristled brush. Caring for partial dentures still requires regular flossing and brushing of natural teeth. When caring for full or partial dentures, brushing your gums and tongue stimulates circulation; this is especially important to do after affixing your dentures in the morning. Make sure to massage and wash out your mouth with salt water regularly when dentures are removed.
- Thoroughly wash off denture solution before placing them back in the mouth. Dentures should be rinsed to avoid ingesting solution. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, swallowing solution can cause irritation, swelling, or trouble breathing.
If the dentures are not removable and stick to the patient's gums, then the dentist will recommend a different cleaning regimen. In many cases, caring for implant dentures will be the same as taking care of permanent teeth with brushing twice a day.
“In many cases, caring for implant dentures will be the same as taking care of permanent teeth with brushing twice a day.”
How a Dentist Can Treat Your Denture Needs
Even if you have lost all your teeth, it is essential to seek professional dental care regularly. A dentist can advise the right treatment and cleaning techniques for your dentures. Patients with dentures should seek care every six months unless a dentist recommends otherwise. Dentists can also look for signs of oral cancer, perform routine cleaning, and examine dentures for fit.
Over time, you may need to adjust or repair your dentures. After receiving dentures, follow-up appointments are typically made for adjustments. If your dentures have breaks, chips, cracks, or a loose tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately. Most repairs and adjustments can be made on the same day. However, complex maintenance might need to be sent to a repair specialist. Your dentures will typically last five to ten years before needing replacement, but complete replacements can be made earlier.
“If your dentures have breaks, chips, cracks, or a loose tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately.”
In-Home Care for Dentures
Do not attempt to adjust or repair dentures by yourself. Do-it-yourself kits can permanently damage dentures or harm one's oral health. Household glues should never be used as they can contain harmful chemicals if swallowed. The U.S. FDA warns against overuse of denture adhesives and suggests to use only use as a temporary solution when dentures become loose. Certain denture bonding products have Zinc, which may cause health problems if used in excess. When used responsibly, you may choose from a variety of denture adhesives, such as Fixodent® Original, Super Poligrip®, and DenTek® Secure. For more information on how to repair or adjust your dentures, you may contact us to speak with a qualified professional.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and consistent dentures cleaning can help reduce the number of visits to a dentist. For partial dentures, clean the teeth that rest under the metal clasps diligently as plaque tends to build under the clasps. Avoid using whitening toothpaste on natural teeth. Never use products containing bleach on your dentures as it can tarnish the metal attachments. Eating well-balanced meals also contributes to a healthy mouth. For more useful tips on denture care, contact one of our Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS dentists.
“Never use products containing bleach on your dentures as it can tarnish the metal attachments.”
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What to Do if You Damage Your Dentures
While dentures are durable when in use, they are not invincible. Simply dropping the dentures on a rough surface can break, chip, or damage the dentures. If this happens, it is crucial to seek our professional services for repairs. The patient needs to protect the dentures to prevent further damage and should not try to wear them if the dentures are too damaged. We can ensure the dentures receive the repairs they need to function properly without irritating the patient's mouth when in use.
Repairing dentures is not the time for patients to attempt a DIY (Do It Yourself) project. One wrong move can damage the dentures further and increase the risk of harming the patient's mouth. During the appointment, we will determine the extent of the damage before developing the patient's treatment plan. In some cases, the repairs may take several appointments to complete. The length of treatment time will depend entirely on the condition of the dentures and the issue we need to repair.
Once complete, we will make sure the dentures fit the patient's mouth and send them on their way. If there are any future concerns or questions about proper denture care, our team can help during a consultation.
“We can ensure the dentures receive the repairs they need to function properly without irritating the patient’s mouth when in use.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the proper way to take care of my dentures?
Q. Can a dentist help ensure my dentures are in good condition?
Q. How do I clean my dentures?
Q. Should I contact you immediately after damaging my dentures?
People Also Ask
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. What are common causes of denture damage?
Q. How does one get used to dentures?
Q. When should a patient see the dentist for an adjustment?
Q. How should patients change their eating practices with dentures?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I sleep in my dentures?
A. Depending on the type of dentures a patient has, they may be able to sleep in them. However, it is usually suggested to remove dentures before going to sleep, even those who can wear them overnight. Use this time to soak them in a mild denture-soaking solution or water.
Q. My dentures seem loose; what should I do?
A. If the dentures feel loose or otherwise improperly fit, call us or visit the office for a checkup. One of our practitioners will be able to adjust them to ensure a correct fit properly. There are "do-it-yourself" adjustment kits on the market, but these can permanently damage dentures. A short follow-up can help solve the problem in a quick and efficient manner.
Q. Are there any food restrictions with my dentures?
A. For the most part, patients can continue to eat food with dentures as they normally would with natural teeth. This can be slightly uncomfortable and feel strange at first. Using proper denture adhesive and ensuring they are fit properly by visiting a dentist can help.
Q. What cleaning methods should I avoid?
A. The best way to clean dentures is with a soft brush and denture cleaning products. Avoid stiff brushes and other abrasive cleaners. Also, do not use whitening products or products with bleach on dentures. Only use cold or lukewarm water because hot or boiling water can warp dentures.
Q. How often should I see the dentist?
A. After the first visit, we advise each patient on how often they need check-ups depending on their case. Typically, every six months is the norm for all patients, including those with dentures. Regular visits help to maintain dentures and good oral health.
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Denture Terminology
A Los Angeles Team Is Ready to Help with Denture Care
If you are interested in restoring your smile with a fully-functional set of teeth, give us a call at 310-402-0156. We will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and set you on the path to a better, brighter smile. We will customize the dentures to match the size of your mouth and find the right fit.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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