Why You Should Soak Your Dentures

In a perfect world, everyone would maintain their natural teeth for their entire life. However, the world isn’t perfect, and sometimes teeth fall out or need to be extracted. Fortunately, modern dentistry has come a long way in crafting dentures that look and feel like natural teeth. It’s still important to take good care of them, though. One way to do that is by placing them in a glass of water or denture cleaner. Let’s talk a little bit more about the importance of soaking dentures.

Why Is Soaking Dentures Important?

If your dentures dry out, they could lose their shape, resulting in them feeling uncomfortable and/or looking unnatural. Therefore, they must be kept moist at all times. When they’re in your mouth, this is done naturally through your saliva. However, when you take them out to sleep, they must be placed in a container of liquid, usually water or denture cleaner.

One thing to keep in mind is that the water or solution you place them in must be lukewarm at most. Hot water could warp the plastic and change the shape of your dentures. It’s best to keep them in slightly cold water.

If your dentures have metal attachments, like if they’re anchored onto dental implants, you might not want to place them in water, as that could tarnish the metal. In this situation, ask your dentist how to best clean your dentures.

How Else Can You Take Care of Your Dentures?

Besides keeping your dentures wet, there are a few other ways to make sure they last a long time:

• Handle your dentures with care so you don’t drop them.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean your dentures every day. Be sure to NOT use toothpaste, as that could be abrasive to the plastic and cause microscopic cracks through which bacteria could enter. This may cause an infection in your mouth.
• Visit your dentist every six months to check on the status of your dentures.
• If you find that your dentures don’t fit comfortably, or they slip around too much when talking or eating, see your dentist. It may be time to reline or even replace your dentures.

Dentures are a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile back to its former glory. Be sure to follow the steps listed above to keep them in excellent condition for as long as possible.

About the Author

Dr. William Baxter is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. He opened North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry in 1996. He strives to provide the best care possible to his patients in the Jacksonville, FL area. To learn more about how to take care of your dentures, or if you’re interested in getting them for the first time, contact Dr. Baxter through his website or by phone at (904) 751-4958.