Easy do it yourself care and cleaning of dentures

Denture care is not hard or difficult, although they do require consistent care. The first thing to remember is that dentures are fragile so it is important to handle them with care.

A washcloth or small hand towel in the sink while cleaning can go a long way in preventing breakage should they slip from your fingers. You should also have another washcloth or towel beside the washbasin to lay the clean dentures on after cleaning.

You should clean your denture (or partial) thoroughly at least twice daily. Use a denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Never use regular toothpaste on your dentures, as the ingredients are too abrasive.

There are several things that you should never do with your dentures. Do not use alcohol, straight bleach or tooth whiteners. These are overly abrasive and bleach can cause the 'gum' area of your dentures to turn white.

Never use boiling water, microwave or the dishwasher to clean or soak your dentures. These appliances can cause your dentures to warp.

After a meal, make sure you rinse your mouth out with clean water. This will help remove any food particles caught in the teeth or gum lines.

After the first few weeks, do not wear your dentures while sleeping. The gum tissue needs to rest and by allowing your tongue and saliva to do its' work, promotes better mouth health.

When not being worn, soak your denture in warm water with an effervescent tablet. This will help prevent bacterial growth.

Once weekly, soak dentures in a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. This helps to inhibit fungus growth. After soaking, brush with a soft brush and warm water.

Establish a firm routine of cleansing your dentures and your mouth. Just as you were taught as a child, brush your dentures and your gums twice daily. Make sure you use a soft brush and toothpaste on your gums to help keep them firm.

Dentures are a possible source of direct extension yeast and bacterial infections to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and can quickly enter the blood stream. Keeping your dentures and mouth clean will reduce these risks.

New dentures should be fitted approximately every five to seven years or when dentures are so loose fitting they cause discomfort.

The dental professional who fitted your dentures should have supplied everything you need to get started in denture care. This includes a dental brush, a soaking case, and samples of adhesives, cleansers and soaking tablets. You should also have on hand a cream to remedy fungal infections if they occur.

To clean dentures with soft temporary linings there are a few things to remember. Always use lukewarm water for soaking; hot water can destroy the lining.

Soak your dentures for no more than thirty minutes a day.

Avoid hot and chewy foods. Also, since the lining is soft, avoid nuts and seeds.

While caring for your dentures is more than dropping them into a glass of water by the bedside at night, within a week or so, their care should be routine and uneventful.