Tips on the Proper Care of Your New Dentures
Congratulations on your new dentures! Whether you’ve received full or partial dentures, this is an exciting step toward restoring your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life. At Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Erie, we want to make sure your transition to dentures is as smooth and successful as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide on caring for your new dentures Erie patients can rely on for years to come.
Proper care and maintenance will not only keep your dentures looking great but also help protect your oral health and ensure a comfortable fit. With a few simple habits and a little daily attention, you can enjoy all the benefits your new smile has to offer.
Handle Your Dentures with Care
Dentures are durable, but they are not indestructible. When handling them, always do so over a soft towel or a basin of water. This provides a cushion in case you accidentally drop them. Even a short fall onto a hard surface can cause chips, cracks, or warping that may require repair or replacement.
Avoid bending the clasps on partial dentures, and never attempt to adjust or fix your dentures yourself. If something feels off or doesn’t fit right, contact our Erie office right away. We’re here to help you get the perfect fit.
Clean Your Dentures Daily
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned every day to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush designed for dentures and a mild cleanser made specifically for denture care. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface of your dentures.
Rinse your dentures thoroughly after every meal if possible, and give them a full cleaning at least once a day. Be sure to brush all surfaces, including the areas that come into contact with your gums.
Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Most dentures should be removed at night to give your gums a chance to rest and recover. When you take them out, place them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water to keep them from drying out. Dentures that dry out can lose their shape, which may affect the fit and comfort.
Follow the instructions provided by our team or the product manufacturer for the best soaking routine. If you have any questions about which solution to use, we’re happy to recommend options during your visit to our Erie office.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Even though you wear dentures, it’s still important to care for your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth. Each morning, gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush before putting in your dentures. This helps remove plaque, stimulates circulation, and keeps your mouth fresh and healthy.
If you wear partial dentures, be sure to brush and floss your natural teeth just as you would if you didn’t have dentures at all. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps protect the teeth that are still supporting your partial appliance.
Watch What You Eat
It may take a little time to adjust to eating with dentures. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew slowly on both sides of your mouth to keep pressure balanced. Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods, especially while you’re still getting used to the feel of your new dentures.
Foods like hard candy, caramel, popcorn, and tough meats can damage dentures or cause them to shift out of place. As you become more comfortable, you’ll likely find that you can enjoy most of your favorite foods again. Just use a little caution at first.
Use Denture Adhesive Sparingly
Adhesive can help improve the fit and stability of your dentures, especially during the adjustment period. However, if you find that you’re relying on adhesive every single day just to keep your dentures in place, it may be a sign that they need to be relined or adjusted.
Well-fitting dentures Erie residents trust should feel secure on their own. If yours feel loose or uncomfortable, let us know. We can evaluate the fit and make any necessary changes to improve comfort and function.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Even if your dentures feel great, it’s important to continue seeing your dentist regularly. Your gums and jawbone can change over time, which may affect how your dentures fit. During routine visits, we’ll check the condition of your dentures, examine your gums and soft tissues, and make adjustments as needed. We also perform oral cancer screenings and other preventive services to ensure your overall oral health stays on track.
Know When to Seek Help
If you notice sore spots, irritation, cracks, chips, or changes in the fit of your dentures, don’t wait to contact us. Small problems are much easier to fix when they’re caught early. Our team at Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Erie is always here to provide the support and care you need.
Enjoy Your New Smile with Confidence
With proper care and regular maintenance, your dentures can serve you well for many years. We’re proud to offer dentures Erie families can count on, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about caring for your dentures or need to schedule a follow-up visit, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you smile with comfort and confidence.