Having dentures fitted can be an exciting process. They replace missing teeth and improve your bite, appearance, and oral health, giving you more confidence in your daily life. However, getting dentures for the first time can also be daunting if you don't know how to care for them. Use the tips below to extend the life span of your dentures and enjoy your new smile.

How to Take Care of Your Dentures

1. Brush Dentures Daily

Your dentures can accumulate food particles and bacteria just like natural teeth. It's best to brush your dentures daily to keep them clean. However, you should not use regular toothpaste. The toothpaste you buy from a store is an abrasive material, even if it feels smooth to the touch. It's best to clean dentures and prevent stains by brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a denture cleanser.

2. Avoid Hot Water

Hot water is a good way to clean some items and surfaces. However, high temperatures aren't suitable for dentures. These dental appliances are usually made from plastic, such as acrylic resin. If you introduce the dentures to hot water, it can make the plastic pliable and cause warping. 

When dentures warp, they will no longer fit snugly into your mouth. Always use cold or room-temperature water if you need to rinse or store your dentures. 

3. Store Them Correctly

Hot water isn't the only thing that will warp your dentures. The issue can also occur if the dental appliance dries out. When not wearing them, it's best to keep your replacement teeth in a glass of room temperature water or dentist-recommended denture solution. 

Keeping the dentures wrapped in a paper towel is also not a good idea. It can be easy for someone to accidentally throw them away after mistaking the dentures for trash in a paper towel. When you store the dentures in water or solution, make sure you put the glass in a location away from children and pets.

Dr. Mead & Dr. Houston Dentistry in Lake Havasu City, AZ, is the go-to destination for quality dental care, especially if you need personalized treatment like customized dentures. This dental practice and its caring staff practice family, general, and cosmetic dentistry. Their broad range of services includes everything from dental implants to oral exams and TMJ treatments. These dentists also offer emergency dental care for urgent situations. Call (928) 855-5061 to request an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services.