According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 90% of people who don't have teeth wear dentures. Whether you have full or partial dentures, you should know how to properly take care of them. Maintaining your dentures is crucial to your oral health, not to mention they'll last much longer. Here are a few tips for taking care of your dentures.

Clean Your Dentures After You Eat

You should be cleaning your dentures after every time you eat to get rid of food particles that can lead to bacteria growth. Run them under water to get rid of any debris then leave them out to dry on a towel.

Brush Your Dentures

Just like any other set of teeth, you have to brush them. Soak them in water and use a soft bristled brush. You should also be using denture cleanser to remove plaque, but don't ever put denture cleanser in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best kind for your type of dentures.

Don't Use Abrasive Materials

When cleaning your dentures, you want to take care of them well. This means not using abrasive cleansers that could scratch and damage them. This also goes for toothbrushes; you never want to use one with harsh bristles. Even your toothpaste could cause problems if it's gritty or has a particularly strong formula.

Soak Your Dentures Overnight

It's important to note that your dentures have to constantly remain moist so that they don't lose their shape. Your dental service can recommend an overnight solution to keep your dentures in so that they're both clean and well-maintained. You could also speak to the denture service you bought them from, as they'll be able to provide advice specific to your type of dentures.

Don't Use Bleach or Whitening Products

Dental services will tell you that you should never use any sort of whitening toothpaste or mouthwash, and bleach should never come in contact with your dentures. The active ingredient in whitening products doesn't have an effect on dentures, so it won't work. Bleach can corrode dentures, which means they'll deteriorate faster. Plus, you never want any leftover bleach to make it into your mouth.

Now that you know how to properly care for them, you can help your dentures last longer. Contact Lacey Denture Clinic today for your dental service needs.