How to Care for Dentures and Bridges

Dentures always look better than missing teeth, and they make eating and talking easier. However, they require daily care to make sure they continue to fit properly and to keep them from getting damaged.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothpaste
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss
• Salt water solution

Full or Partial Dentures

1. Fill your bathroom sink with water and place a folded towel on the edge. If you accidentally drop your dentures while removing or re-inserting them, they won't strike a hard surface and break. Take care not to drop them on the floor.

2. Brush your dentures every day to remove food and plaque and to prevent stains. Use a soft toothbrush and a little water.

3. Wash your dentures with denture cleaner, hand soap, dishwashing liquid or an ultrasonic cleaner. Take care not to use toothpaste or any harsh, abrasive cleaner because these can damage your dentures.

4. Keep your dentures immersed in cleaning solution or cold water so they won't dry out and lose their shape. If your dentures have metal parts that might tarnish, ask your dentist how to store them.

5. Remember to take care of your mouth. Your remaining teeth and tongue need to be brushed with toothpaste to remove food and plaque. Rinse your mouth with salt water to clean your gums.

6. Return to your dentist or prosthodontist every six months to have the fit of your dentures checked or if they need adjustments or repairs. Never try to adjust your dentures yourself because you can damage them.

7. Expect to have your dentures relined, rebased or remade after about five years.

Bridges

8. Clean your bridge in the same way as your natural teeth. Brush with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste, floss and rinse with salt water. Don't try to floss between the "teeth" of your bridge.

9. Take care of the rest of your mouth. Since your bridge is held in place by existing teeth, keeping your teeth and gums healthy will insure that your bridge will stay in place.

10. Consider wearing a device to keep you from grinding your teeth together while sleeping. Grinding your teeth, called bruxism, can damage your bridge or the teeth used to anchor it.

11. Don't chew hard candy, ice or anything else hard enough to damage your bridge.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that your mouth needs some rest from denture wear each day. Most people remove and clean their dentures at night and then clean their mouth in the morning before reinserting them.
• See your dentist or prosthodontist if your dentures cause sores in your mouth.

Who Can Help:

• Overweight? Lose 30+ lbs without pills or diets- guaranteed
• Arthroscopic Alternative to Spine Surgery- For Back & Neck - Free MRI Review by our Doctors. Get your life back!
• Do you suffer from back pain? Learn more about our Medicare approved back support system. Medicare covers 85% of the cost.

Resources

• Learn more about keeping your mouth healthy and your dentures in good shape at Simple Steps Dental.