No matter how many teeth we lose, cosmetic dentistry can provide us with workable alternatives like dentures. Well-trained dentists can construct dentures for us that look like our natural teeth. But denture care is a challenge that we must take seriously to keep our dentures at a satisfactory level at all times.
8 Easy Tips For Denture Care
Handle the dentures with care
If you accidentally drop your dentures and break them, you may have to start your denture treatment again. It’s better if you can put a folded cloth inside the sink to make sure that dentures do not break even if they accidentally slip from your hands.
Brush your dentures regularly
Denture hygiene is critical to maintaining good dental hygiene. Therefore, you must clean your dentures every day just as you do with your natural teeth. Brush softly in circular motions using mild hand soap and lukewarm water. Make sure to brush each area with care.
Rinse the dentures following meals
There can be trapped food in the denture surfaces and on teeth after having a meal. It’s better if you can remove and rinse your dentures under running water after each meal. It’ll keep your dentures clean and fresh, preventing any bacterial effects.
Remove the dentures before bed
Wearing an artificial device inside your mouth all day may irritate your soft tissues. So, it’s better to remove your dentures for a few hours each day. This also permits the tissues inside the mouth to recover from irritation.
Dentists advise removing the dentures before bed because unintentionally swallowing the dentures during sleep is a risk.
Soak the dentures in slightly warm water overnight
Soak your dentures in warm water or a special denture cleansing agent that doesn’t have roughening chemicals. It will remove trapped food and tartar from the denture surfaces. Denture cleansing agents also help to kill harmful germs that can cause dental diseases and bad breath.
Always rinse the dentures before putting them into your mouth
Most denture-cleansing solutions may contain harmful chemicals that can cause bad effects if swallowed. So, rinse the dentures thoroughly before putting them into your mouth.
Take good care of your entire mouth
Keeping your gums healthy is vital for your overall health. Healthy gums help dentures to stay in place properly. Even if there are no natural teeth in your mouth, you should brush your gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth gently to remove tartar and bacteria. If you have any natural teeth left, brush and floss them as much as possible.
See your dentist regularly
Meet your dentist for a proper examination of your mouth as well as your dentures. Your dentist will confirm whether your dentures fit you properly to prevent discomfort during talking and eating. Don’t forget to ask your dentist how often you should clean and check your dentures.
Loose dentures can cause discomfort, irritation, and infection. Call your dentist as soon as possible if you feel your dentures are loose. They may advise you to use dental adhesives to fit the dentures better.
FAQ: Denture Care
A. Soak your dentures in a solution of half vinegar and half warm water. Then brush them thoroughly to remove debris. However, consult your dentist to learn if vinegar would be too harsh a product for the kind of denture you wear.
A. Soak denture overnight in a denture stain remover.
A. Soak your denture in a solution of half vinegar and half warm water. Vinegar will soften the tartar. Remove the tartar with a moist soft-bristled toothbrush or denture toothbrush.
A. Use hydrogen peroxide solution. You can buy it over the counter at any grocery store. Rub the denture with the solution and wipe it gently. Your denture will be clean.
A. Yes. Baking soda is an ingredient of commercial toothpaste. Use 2tsp of baking soda with enough water to make your own toothpaste and softly remove the debris from your denture.
Denture Care: Here Are The Things You Should Avoid
Never use sharp objects on dentures.
Rough dentures can cause sores in your mouth. Therefore, avoid using sharp or rough objects on your dentures to clean or wash them. Even a toothpick can damage your dentures. Always use only soft brushes and mild cleansing solutions over the dentures.
Avoid cleansing agents that contain rough particles
Toothpaste containing rough particles brushes with stiff bristles may cause damage to your dentures. It’s your responsibility to brush the dentures with a soft-bristled brush using soft toothpaste and cleaning agents.
Don’t use whitening toothpastes or bleaching products
Evidence shows that whitening chemicals only change or fade the color of denture teeth. Therefore, there’s no effect of whiteners on teeth.
You might have heard that some people immerse dentures in chlorine solutions. This should be avoided because chlorine is corrosive and can tarnish the metal components of your dentures.
Avoid hot water
Never use hot or boiling water over your dentures. It only deforms and loosens your dentures. Stick to lukewarm water.
When eating, avoid using tugging motions
It will take you some time to get used to dentures, especially to eat and chew food. Learning how to eat with them is crucial to avoid damaging dentures. Always try to avoid large pieces of food and biting on hard objects.
Never ignore your dentures
As your dentures are such an essential part of your daily life, don’t neglect them. Keep them clean and sanitized to prevent bacterial effects.
Keep your dentures in warm water
Keeping your dentures immersed in water or denture cleaning solution whenever you are not using them is critical for their longevity. Water will be absorbed into thousands of pores inside the dentures and maintain their shape. Otherwise, they will dry up and lose their shape over time. Dry dentures become more brittle, loose, and uncomfortable to wear.
Denture Care: The Bottom Line
Once lost, we can never get our teeth back. Yet, we still can have a quality life by maintaining good oral health. Our dentures become a part of us in the absence of our teeth. If we know how to take care of them properly, they will last longer and fit properly inside our mouths. Using them will then be comfortable.
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