If you’re one of the many Americans who use dentures (also known as a dental appliance), you probably know that it’s important to care for them.
But if you’re uncertain about how to keep your dental appliance clean and comfortable, you’re not alone. Follow the tips in this article to keep your dentures – and your mouth – healthy and clean.
Dental appliances include full and partial dentures that can be made of metal, acrylic, or hard or soft resin, and will fill in the gaps where there has been tooth loss.
Cleaning Your Appliance
No matter what type of denture you’re using, you should use a soft toothbrush (or denture brush) and water to remove food debris, plaque and stains each day. Do not use toothpaste on your dental appliance, as it may cause the denture to deteriorate over time. Rinse your appliance first, then brush to clean.
For devices with metal frames, you will also want to brush the sides of the frame and rinse again in warm water.
There are many different types of over-the-counter cleaners that may help keep your appliance clean. To pick the best one for your appliance, look at what it is made from (acrylic, metal, etc.) and carefully check the product labels to find a good match.
Storing Your Appliance
For proper storage of your device, remember:
•Store your appliance in fresh, clean water whenever you aren’t wearing it
•Always rinse the appliance before wearing it again
•Keep your storage container empty, wiped dry and open when not in use