Oral infectious diseases are risk factors for systemic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, digestive diseases, and respiratory diseases. Dentures are more prone to plaque deposition and bacterial adhesion than natural teeth, making them difficult to clean. So, how should we maintain our dentures in daily life? According to a survey report from a reliable China dental laboratory, the detection rate of dentures among middle-aged and elderly people aged 65 to 74 is 20.4% for removable dentures, 26.3% for fixed dentures, and 0.3% for implant-supported dentures.
I. Maintenance of Fixed Dentures
What are fixed dentures?
Ceramic veneers on teeth, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal/all-ceramic bridges, and implant-supported dentures all belong to fixed dentures.
How to clean and maintain them?
The cleaning method for fixed dentures is the same as that for natural teeth, including using the Bass brushing technique to brush correctly, using dental floss and interdental brushes to clean the proximal surfaces, and having a professional dental cleaning every six months to a year. Additionally, avoid using dentures to bite too hard foods such as crabs, pork ribs, or dried broad beans. Also, avoid tearing food too forcefully with your teeth. It is recommended to cut apples into pieces before eating and avoid chewing on sugarcane or similar foods.
— Maintenance of Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients with implant-supported dentures, it is also recommended to use the “one-rinse, two-brush, three-flush” oral healthcare method to prolong the lifespan of the implants. It is suggested that patients with implant-supported dentures undergo a professional oral examination at least every six months as part of a lifelong oral healthcare and maintenance plan. If you encounter such problems in daily life and do not know whom to consult, consulting a professional China dental lab is also a very good option. We will do our best to answer your questions. For patients with poor oral health awareness, the number of follow-up visits should be increased accordingly.
II. Cleaning and Maintenance of Removable Dentures
(1) Remove and thoroughly clean your dentures after each meal and before bedtime.
(2) Rinse the surface with water first, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush with toothpaste to carefully brush all corners of the dentures, including the white porcelain, metal plate, and pink base.
(3) If there are stubborn areas that are difficult to brush off, soak the dentures in denture cleansing tablets before washing. (Compared with regular toothpaste, denture cleansing tablets provide better cleaning effects without damaging the denture material.)
(4) Soak the brushed dentures in cold water before bedtime.
Dos and Don’ts for Dentures
Do: Wear dentures correctly. When removing them, it is best to pull and push the base edge instead of using force on the clasp to avoid deformation. When putting on dentures, use your hands to position them correctly before biting down.
Don’t: Do not wear dentures at night. Cold water is the best companion for dentures at night, allowing the supporting tissues in the mouth to rest and preventing the accidental swallowing of dentures while sleeping.
Lastly, it is advisable to have a follow-up examination every six months to comprehensively check the use of dentures and the condition of other teeth. Additionally, if any problems arise with the dentures during use, consult a doctor promptly for examination.
Only with proper cleaning and maintenance can dentures be used effectively and for an extended period. Wish everyone good dental health, a good appetite, and excellent physical health!
