How to Store Dentures Properly Overnight
Proper denture care is an important part of living with your new teeth, it’ll ensure you’re maintaining oral hygiene while also extending their lifespan. Dentures are an investment in your health and confidence, and taking care of them properly can prevent unnecessary complications and expenses. Storing dentures correctly overnight is just one important part of denture maintenance that ensures they remain clean, safe, and in good condition. In this article, we’ll learn how to store dentures properly overnight to help you get the most out of them.
What Happens if I Don’t Store My Dentures Correctly?
Storing dentures properly will help with maintaining their shape, fit, and overall hygiene. This is true for both full dentures and partial dentures. If they’re not stored correctly, they can become warped or lose their shape, making them uncomfortable and less effective. Improper storage can also lead to the buildup of bacteria, which can cause bad breath and infections. Common issues caused by inadequate storage include:
• Denture deformation, which affects how they fit and function.
• Dryness, which can make the material brittle and more prone to cracks and breakage.
• Bacterial and fungal growth, leading to health problems such as stomatitis or thrush.
Preparing Dentures for Overnight Storage
Before you store your dentures for the night, make sure that you clean them thoroughly to remove food particles and bacteria. The best way to do this involves the following process:
• Rinse Dentures Thoroughly After Removal: As soon as you remove your dentures, rinse them under warm water to wash away food debris and other loose particles.
• Brush Dentures with a Non-Abrasive Denture Cleanser: Using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser, gently brush all surfaces of the dentures. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it can scratch the surface.
• Rinse Again to Remove Any Cleanser Residue: After brushing, rinse the dentures thoroughly under warm water to ensure all cleanser residue is removed. This prevents any chemical buildup which could irritate your gums.
Storing Dentures in Water Overnight
To prevent your dentures from drying out and losing their shape, it’s important to keep them moist when not in use:
• Use a Clean, Lidded Container: Ensure it’s clean and has a lid to prevent contamination.
• Fill the Container with Enough Water to Completely Submerge the Dentures: The water should cover all parts of the dentures. This prevents any part from drying out and becoming misshapen.
• Ensure the Water is Not Too Hot: Hot water can warp dentures, so use cool or room temperature water to maintain the integrity of the denture material.
Using Denture Cleaning Tablets
For additional cleanliness and to help remove stains and deposits, consider using denture cleaning tablets. These tablets are useful as they can disinfect your dentures which kills off any bacterial or fungal growth. They’re also dual-purpose, as denture cleaning tablets do a great job of removing stains and deposits built-up through eating. To use your denture cleaning tablets, make sure that you:
• Follow the Instructions on the Product Label: Each brand of cleaning tablets might have slightly different instructions, so it’s important to read and follow them carefully.
• Place the Tablet in the Water with the Dentures and Let It Dissolve: Usually, you’ll drop the tablet into the water with the dentures and leave it overnight. The tablet will fizz and dissolve, thoroughly cleaning the dentures.
Ensuring proper storage practices is the best way to keep your dentures in pristine condition. By following the outlined steps for cleaning and storing your dentures overnight in water or with a cleaning tablet, you can maintain the longevity, effectiveness, and hygiene of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well.
If you’re considering dentures, or would like to learn more about which denture solution is right for you, then our team at Denturly is here to help. Please book a consultation with us today to get started.
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