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A Guide to Denture Care in Longview, TX

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Cleaning & Storing Your Removable Dentures

To ensure your removable full or partial denture stays long-lasting, it’s important to know how to care for them and maintain good oral health. When removing your dentures each night for cleaning, you always want to handle them gently and do your best to avoid dropping them. We recommend standing over a bath mat, towel, or full sink of water for safety, in case you do drop them.

To clean your partial or full denture, Dr. Hobbs recommends some simple tips to follow to ensure they remain fresh. 

  1. Brush and rinse your dentures daily, as well as after eating We recommend using a soft-bristled brush and water — without toothpaste. 
  2. Use a denture cleaner, hand soap, or mild dishwashing liquid to remove bacteria and debris from your dentures. 
  3. Store your dentures in a moist cleansing solution or water when you’re not wearing them so they don’t dry out or lose their shape. 
  4. Remember to rinse your dentures thoroughly in cool water before putting them back in your mouth to avoid consuming harmful chemicals.

Take Care of Your Mouth & Gums

During your denture cleaning routine, don’t forget to take care of your mouth as well. 

  • Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with your soft-bristled brush every morning to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.
  • If you wear a partial denture, don’t forget to remove it so you can carefully clean your natural teeth that still remain. 
  • Always rinse out your mouth with lukewarm salt water each day to clean your gums and remove any food particles in your mouth. 
  • Do your best to follow a well-balanced diet for good oral and overall health.

Caring for Your Implant-Supported Dentures

If your dentures are secured with dental implants, then your oral care routine will be a bit different than with your traditional dentures: 

  • Since implant dentures are fastened with attachments to your implants, you’ll need to carefully clean around each attachment in addition to your denture.
  • You’ll also need to use a soft-bristled brush to clean your gums, tongue, palate, and each implant post. Keeping up with an adequate oral hygiene routine will ensure your implants last a lifetime. 
  • Along with a soft-bristled toothbrush, you should use toothpaste with non-abrasive ingredients, floss made for implants, and mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol.

It’s also important to know that the attachments on your dentures that connect to your dental implants will generally need to be replaced by Dr. Hobbs every six to 12 months. Over time, they will eventually wear off due to their nylon material and can loosen from your implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I soak my dentures?
Do I still need to brush if I wear dentures?
How long will my dentures last?
How often should I soak my dentures?

You’ll need to soak your dentures every day. This is an essential part of new denture care. Dentures have a tendency to lose their shape if they’re not kept moist, so soaking them in distilled or plain water is essential.

You should also consider using a denture-soaking solution. Dr. Hobbs is able to recommend what solution could work best for you based on your unique situation. 

Do I still need to brush if I wear dentures?

While you do wear your dentures all day, you still need to take them out for proper cleaning. Brushing your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush after you remove them is an important part of gum care after receiving your dentures. It will help to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth.

How long will my dentures last?

The average lifespan of dentures is 7 to 10 years. Just like your natural teeth, dentures wear down and stain with age. We suggest seeing your dentist for a denture checkup once a year. 

If you’ve been wearing the same set of dentures for more than 10 years, be sure to see your dentist and have them assessed to make sure they are still functioning as expected.

Call Dr. Hobbs with Any Questions

Although your dentures aren’t your natural teeth, you’ll still need to follow up with Dr. Hobbs and our team for your biannual dental check-ups and professional cleanings. In some cases, we may recommend that you visit our Longview, TX office more regularly, but this can be determined at one of your appointments. 

At these exams, Dr. Hobbs will ensure your dentures still fit properly, check for any signs of oral diseases, and perform a professional cleaning. Schedule your appointment today for your next visit or give us a call at (903) 309-2142 if you have any further questions about how to clean your dentures.

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