How to Clean & Maintain Dentures

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Dentures must be taken care of properly to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Without them, seniors cannot chew foods and obtain the nutrients needed for optimal health. Denture maintenance isn’t difficult, but it’s vital for your senior loved one’s health. Here are a few denture maintenance tips for you to refer to.

 

Handle with Care

To prevent accidentally dropping and breaking dentures, it’s a good idea to perform maintenance while standing over a folded towel or a sink filled with water. This way, if you lose your grip on the dentures, the towel or water cushions the fall.

 

Clean Dentures Daily

Similar to natural teeth, dentures require daily cleaning to remove bacteria, food, and plaque. Routine brushing also deters or removes stains caused by coffee, tea, and certain foods. Dentists also advise that denture wearers rinse upper and lower plates following each meal. Proper cleaning requires using a denture brush, which is specially designed to adequately clean the interior and exterior surfaces without causing damage.

Regularly cleaning their dentures and other activities of daily living may be challenging for some seniors to handle on their own. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Reston families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 

 

Use Cleaning Agents

Dishwashing liquid, hand soap, or denture cleaning products are also suitable for cleaning dentures. Seniors should avoid using bleach, cleansers, or toothpaste, as these products are too abrasive and erode denture surfaces. Dentures might also be soaked during the night in an appropriate container filled with cold water and an effervescent cleaning agent. Never use hot water, or warping may occur. Ultrasonic cleaning devices are another option. These cleaners gently but effectively remove debris and stains using sound waves that cause undulating fluid waves.

Cognitive issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s can cause seniors to have difficulty keeping dentures clean and maintaining proper oral hygiene. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Reston home care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. 

 

Keep Them Moist

When removed, dentures must be kept moist to prevent dryness or loss of shape. Soaking in a cleansing solution is an ideal way to store the appliance while simultaneously cleaning the plates. If an upper or lower plate contains wiring or other metal attachments, consult with a dentist to determine the best product to use to prevent tarnishing.

If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today.