Caring For Your Dental Prosthesis: Maintenance Tips

Getting a dental prosthesis is more than just a cosmetic solution – it is an important investment in your health, self-esteem, and life quality. Both fixed and removable prostheses will restore your smile in no time, and you will be able to enjoy every meal without worrying. 

In order to get your money’s worth, it is important to take care of your prostheses every day. In this article, you will find practical instructions, simple steps, and answers to your most asked questions – so your smile remains healthy and functional for many years. 

Why Is Dental Prosthesis Maintenance Important?

Dental prostheses maintenance is not just an aesthetic issue but a crucial aspect for oral health and our organism. A clean and well-taken care of prosthesis will prevent the accumulation of bacteria, which can cause infections of the oral mucosa, bad breath, and even more serious infections such as stomatitis or candidiasis.

If you neglect prosthesis maintenance, you risk creating new infection outbreaks that can affect gums, tongue, palate, and even your entire digestive system. Besides this, if the prostheses are not cleaned. It will lose its natural look, change color, and attract food particles, which leads to difficulties holding it in place. 

A well-maintained prosthesis has a longer lifespan, and it stays better in the mouth, offering security and comfort every moment of the day. That is why daily care should come as naturally as brushing the teeth and washing the hands.

The Difference In Maintenance Between Fixed And Removable Prostheses

Each type of prosthesis should be maintained differently. Fixed prostheses are similar to natural teeth when it comes to hygiene, while removable prostheses require special attention for cleaning and protecting them while not having them on. 

Fixed prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, or implants, cannot be removed, so they should be cleaned with a toothbrush, special toothpaste, and dental floss or interdental brushes. 

Removable prostheses should be cleaned every day once removed with a soft toothbrush and a special solution or light soap ( never with toothpaste, since it will erode the surface). They should be kept wet in a specific cleaning solution or clean water when not in use. This will avoid deformation and breakage of the material while also preventing bacterial accumulation. 

Importance Of Daily Hygiene

A patient who has a dental prosthesis faces several challenges every day: food particle accumulation, colored beverages, acidic drinks, and even smoking. If not cleaned properly, the surface of the prosthesis becomes the ideal environment for the formation of bacterial plaque, which will lead to more serious oral health issues. 

Brushing the prosthesis every day is the best way of keeping the smile clean and avoiding bad breath and repeated infections. A good oral routine will start immediately after eating, cleaning the prosthesis to get rid of any leftover food particles. Before sleeping, the prosthesis should be placed inside a glass filled with clean water or a cleaning solution. 

Don’t forget: even if you have a full arch prosthesis, you should still clean the gums and tongue with a soft-bristle toothbrush every day.  

How To Clean Your Fixed Prosthesis

The cleaning of the fixed prosthesis should be regular, careful, and similar to taking care of your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging the material, cleaning the surface of the crowns, bridges, and implants with light movements. 

Dental floss and small interdental brushes are essential for areas where the brush cannot reach, especially under the bridges or around the implants. 

Use specific tooth pastes recommended by the dentist, without eroding ingredients or aggressive whitening agents. Rinse your mouth after each meal and avoid hot or acidic products that can damage the fixed prosthesis material. 

How To Clean Your Removable Prosthesis

The removable prosthesis should be taken out of the mouth and cleaned carefully daily. Use a specific toothbrush only for the prosthesis or a soft-bristle one, cleaning all the surfaces without applying pressure so you can avoid breaking it. 

Specialized solutions for prosthesis cleaning are recommended, since they eliminate stains, bad breath, and bacteria without damaging the material. You could also use soap and lukewarm water (NOT HOT), but never a traditional toothpaste.

After brushing them, rinse the prosthesis and place it in a glass with clear water or cleaning solution during the night. This helps maintain its shape, elasticity, and material. 

Recommended Products And Tools For Maintenance

Specialized prosthodontic toothbrushes, soft-bristle toothbrushes, dental floss, and interdental brushes are some of the most important tools for daily maintenance. For removable prostheses, there are some specific types of cleaning tablets that are water soluble, which will thoroughly clean the prosthesis surface. 

Antibacterial solutions are useful for preventing the formation of fungi and infections. Never use harsh chemicals, alcohol, bleach, or vinegar, as they damage the material and affect the lifespan of the prosthesis.

Consult your dentist about choosing the most suitable products based on your type of prostheses. There are also special holders for dentures on the market, which facilitate safe transportation and storage during the night or when traveling.

The Most Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

Many patients make small mistakes that can lead to long-term issues with their dentures. One of the most common mistakes is cleaning the removable prosthesis with toothpaste or the use of hot water, which leads to structure deformation and surface erosion. 

Avoid leaving the denture out in the air for long periods, since it can lose its shape and become more fragile. Don’t use a lot of force while cleaning them and bending the prosthesis, because it can easily break. 

Another common mistake is avoiding cleaning the gumline, tongue, and palate, thinking that denture maintenance is enough. Don’t forget: your mouth also needs to be cleaned daily. 

How To Protect The Denture While Not Using It

Removable dentures should always be kept in a wet environment when not used, in a glass filled with clear water or cleaning solution. Do not use hot water since it can damage and change the shape of the material. 

If you are traveling, always keep a specific box to protect your dentures. This will prevent you from losing and damaging them. This is especially important for partial dentures that can be easily lost. 

Fixed prosthesis will not be removed, but always check for any signs of damage, breakage, or looseness, and never skip cleaning it thoroughly.

What Should You Do In Cases Of Irritation, Bad Breath, Or Damage

If you notice redness, wounds, or a burning sensation, stop wearing the denture and immediately contact your dentist. It is not normal for the well-fitted prosthesis to cause irritation or constant pain. 

Bad breath is usually related to poor dental hygiene, so clean your dentures and mouth regularly. If the smell continues, ask your dentist for advice, as this can be a clear sign of infection. 

In case of damage, do not try to repair the denture yourself with glue or other home tools. This can damage their structure, making them unusable. Contact the dentist for professional help as soon as possible, and they will repair it safely. 

Regular Dental Visits

Even if you feel good with your denture on, regular dental visits at least once in 6 months are essential. The dentist will control the denture fit, the soft tissues condition and will recommend adjustments or professional cleanings when necessary. 

Regular dental visits help prevent bigger issues and keep the dentures healthy for a longer time. The dentist will be able to identify structural issues, signs of infections, or if the material is worn out, and fix them at the right time. 

If you notice denture movement, sensitivity, pain, or difficulty while eating, don’t wait until your next visit – call the clinic as soon as possible.

Eating And Drinking – Advice For Denture Patients

At the beginning of using the prosthesis, consume soft foods since they are easier to consume. Cut the food into smaller bites and avoid biting with the front teeth, especially with removable dentures. 

Avoid hard, sticky, hot foods and those with high sugar percentage since they can damage the denture and favor the development of bacterial plaque. Colored drinks such as red wine, coffee, or black tea will also lead to prosthesis discoloration. 

Do not forget to drink water during the day to keep the mouth hydrated and to avoid dryness, which leads to irritation and unpleasant smells.

How To Adjust To The New Prosthesis

Every beginning is hard! In the first few weeks after wearing the dentures, it is normal not to feel comfortable or experience changes while speaking, eating, or tasting. The best advice we offer is to not give up – your mouth will eventually get used to the feeling of the new device. 

Speak more, read out loud, and practice spelling hard words to help the mouth muscles get used faster. Consume soft foods, avoid hard chewing, and take enough time to eat.

If you are constantly feeling uncomfortable or noticing small wounds, do not hesitate to consult your dentist for denture adjustment.  

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How Frequently Should I Clean The Dental Prosthesis During The Day?

Dental prosthesis should be cleaned at least twice a day: once in the morning after waking up and once in the evening before sleeping. It is very important that after every meal, you rinse it with clean water to get rid of any food left over that can be stuck in their sufcare. Regular cleaning prevents the formation of bacterial plaque and bad breath.

What Is The Best Way Of Cleaning A Removable Prosthesis?

The best way of cleaning a removable prosthesis is to clean it with a specific toothbrush or a soft-bristle one under running lukewarm water. Do ot use regular toothpaste but a soft soap or special denture solution since they protect the material. Clean all surfaces, especially those in contact with the gums, and rinse them well before replacing them again. 

Is It Safe To Use Toothpaste On My Dentures?

In most cases, regular toothpastes contain small eroding particles that can damage the denture surface, making it harsher, more fragile, and prone to discoloration. That is why it is better to use specialized denture products or a soft soap. This protects the material and extends the lifespan of your dental device.

How Do I Protect My Denture During The Night Or While Not Using It?

Removable prostheses should always be kept wet when not used. During the night, place the dentures in a glass filled with clean water or with a specific cleaning solution. This helps maintain their shape, avoids dryness, and prevents breakage of the material. Careful not to use hot water since it can deform the device.

What To Do If The Denture Smells Bad? 

If you notice a faul smell coming from the denture, this is a sign that inside the denture or in the mouth, bacteria or food particles have accumulated. Clean them more often and use the recommended antibacterial solutions. Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water or herbal tea. If the smell continues to linger even after carefully cleaning them, consult your dentist so they can rule out infections or other issues.

What Should I Do If My Denture Causes Irritation Or Sores In My Mouth?

During the first days of wearing the dentures, it is normal to experience irritation or redness, but if these side effects don’t go away after a couple of days, stop wearing them and seek help from the dentist. Do not use home tools to fix the prostheses. The dentist will be able to fix them quickly, so they won’t irritate the gums and prevent the situation from getting worse.