All About Denture Care for Seniors: Keep Your Smile Healthy and Bright!

For many seniors, dentures are a vital part of daily life, restoring smiles, facilitating chewing, and supporting facial structure. But just like natural teeth, dentures require diligent care to stay clean, functional, and to protect your overall oral health. Neglecting your dentures can lead to issues like bad breath, gum irritation, infections, and even damage to the dentures themselves. 

If you or a loved one wears dentures, understanding proper care is key to a comfortable and healthy experience. Let's dive into everything you need to know about keeping your dentures in top shape! 

Why is Denture Care So Important? 

It's not just about keeping your dentures looking good. Proper care offers several crucial benefits: 

• Prevents Odor and Stains: Food particles and bacteria can accumulate on dentures, leading to unpleasant odors and unsightly stains. 

• Maintains Oral Hygiene: Even with dentures, your mouth still needs attention. Cleaning dentures helps reduce bacteria that can affect your gums, tongue, and remaining natural teeth (if any). 

• Avoids Gum Irritation and Infections: Poorly cleaned dentures can harbor fungi and bacteria, leading to conditions like stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth lining), or thrush. 

• Preserves Denture Lifespan: Regular and gentle cleaning prevents damage, extending the life of your dentures and saving you money on replacements. 

• Ensures Comfort and Fit: Keeping dentures clean helps maintain their fit, preventing discomfort and potential sore spots. 

The Essentials of Daily Denture Care 

Making denture care a daily habit is simple once you know the steps: 

1. Remove and Rinse After Eating: It’s a good idea to remove your dentures after meals and rinse them under cool water to remove loose food particles. Do this over a basin of water or a folded towel to cushion them if they accidentally drop.  

2. Brush Daily (But Not With Toothpaste!): Use a soft-bristled denture brush or a regular soft toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your dentures. Crucially, do not use regular toothpaste. Toothpaste is often abrasive and can scratch the surface of your dentures, creating tiny crevices where bacteria can hide. Use a denture cleaner, mild hand soap, or even dish soap instead.  

3. Soak Overnight (or for a few hours): To maintain their shape, dentures need to stay moist. Most dentists recommend soaking them overnight in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water.  

4. Denture Cleaning Tablets: These effervescent tablets are excellent for deep cleaning and removing stains. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. 

5. Plain Water: If you’re out of denture cleaner, plain water is always better than letting them dry out.  

6. Clean Your Mouth Daily: Don’t forget your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Use a soft toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth to gently clean these areas every day, especially after removing your dentures for the night. This stimulates circulation and removes bacteria.  

What NOT to Do: Common Denture Care Mistakes: 

• Don’t use hot water: Hot water can warp dentures, affecting their fit and making them uncomfortable., Always use cool or lukewarm water. 

• Don’t use abrasive cleaners: Bleach, harsh household cleaners, or abrasive toothpastes can damage dentures. 

• Don’t sleep with your dentures in: Unless specifically instructed by your dentist, it’s best to remove your dentures at night to give your gums a rest and allow them to breathe. This also helps prevent fungal infections. 

• Don’t try to repair them yourself: If your dentures are cracked, chipped, or don’t fit well, never attempt a DIY repair. This can cause further damage and even harm your mouth. See your dentist immediately.  

  
  

Regular Dental Check-ups are Still Essential 

Even with full dentures, regular dental visits are essential. Your dentist will:  

• Check the fit of your dentures: Over time, your jaw bone and gums can change,  causing dentures to become loose. Your dentist can reline or rebase them for a better fit. 

• Examine your oral tissues: They will check for any signs of irritation, sores, or oral diseases, including oral cancer. 

• Clean and inspect your dentures thoroughly: Professional cleaning can remove stubborn stains and tartar that at-home care might miss.  

Denture care for seniors doesn’t have to be complicated. By establishing a simple daily routine and visiting your dentist regularly, you can ensure your dentures remain clean, comfortable, and keep your smile healthy and confident for years to come. Your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being, so give your dentures the care they deserve!  

In Need of Assistance?

Unified Pledge is a leading provider of in-home senior care solutions in Palm Beach County and Broward County. We offer free, no-obligation in-home consultations, cost estimates, and insurance policy benefit reviews.

We also provide other types of home care services such as in-home nurse care, long-term care, and physical therapy.

Give us a call so we can help you create a custom home care solution for yourself or your loved one.