It takes time to get used to wearing - and caring for - dentures. During the initial adjustment period, you will learn much about what does and doesn't work. A useful way to prepare for this adjustment period, and for the future, is to prepare in advance.
If you are new to dentures, and even if you aren't new, the following denture storage tips will be useful to you. With these rules in mind, you can ensure that your dentures stay in good condition for as long as possible.
1. Store Your Dentures in Water
The acrylic base of a denture needs moisture to retain its shape and condition during storage. In fact, while stored in water,
acrylic resin absorbs water, according to research. This improves the ability of dentures to adapt to your jaw and gums. If you take your dentures out for a while, don't leave them to dry out. This could cause them to change shape. Instead, place them into some water.
2. Use Cold Water for Denture Storage
Always store your dentures in cold water. Hot water could warp your dentures and change their shape. Acrylic doesn't respond well to high temperatures. Cold water will keep your dentures moist and help them retain their original shape. This is important for your comfort while wearing your dentures.
3. Add a Denture Cleanser to Kill Bacteria
A study carried out in Belgium found that dentures stored in just water
harbored more bacteria
than dentures stored in water with a cleanser. By removing bacteria from your dentures with a cleansing solution, you protect your mouth and gums from infection. When bacteria build up on a denture, the wearer is at risk of conditions like stomatitis.
4. Keep Your Dentures out of the Sun
Choose a regular storage spot for your dentures that does not receive sunlight during the day. Sunlight, just like hot water, will warp your dentures. But sunlight warps dentures by drying them out. And once damaged in this way, your dentures will be very difficult to repair or restore. Choose a storage place that is dark or in shadow at all times of the day.
5. Keep Your Dentures out of Reach of Children and Pets
Get into the habit of storing your dentures somewhere that is out of reach of children and pets. Choose several locations throughout your home that can serve as safe zones for your dentures. You can then avoid any unfortunate accidents - even if there are no pets or children in your household. And be sure to inform the other adults in your household of the locations, just to be safe.
6. Choose an Appropriate Storage Case for Traveling
With all the aforementioned information in mind, storage while traveling is very important. You'll need a storage solution that is small to begin with, for easy storage on your person. But, importantly, you'll also need to choose a storage solution that can hold water and a cleaning solution or tablet. If you plan to travel with your dentures, find a container that is watertight and won't overheat outside.
7. Care for Your Backup Dentures Regularly
It's always wise to have a backup pair of dentures, just in case. That's why many denture wearers have two sets of dentures. But if you do have two sets, your second set of dentures needs constant care too. Remember, dentures dry out and change shape if left for too long without moisture. Make sure you also keep your backup dentures moist, even if you don't wear them for weeks or months.
Are you in need of some effective but affordable
custom dentures? Or are your current dentures in need of a professional but inexpensive repair service? Then call Dr. Gregory B. Halls Denture Center today. Together, we can choose a custom solution that works for you.
