Dentures are an effective, reliable way to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile after losing multiple teeth. Whether you are missing teeth due to an injury, advanced dental decay, or gum disease, dentures can help you continue speaking, chewing, and smiling with confidence.
Although dentures can be a permanent solution to missing teeth, you must take good care of them to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help to take care of your dentures.
1. Clean You Dentures At Least Two Times Daily
It’s important to keep your dentures clean. Just like natural teeth, it’s best to clean dentures at least twice daily, but if possible, it’s even better to clean them after every meal. You can clean your dentures by:
- Running clean water over your dentures to eliminate food debris and loose particles.
- Brushing the dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Clean dentures using a denture cleaning solution prescribed by your dentist or prosthodontist.
- Clean dentures using mild products such as dishwashing liquid.
- Don’t forget to carefully clean your gums and any remaining teeth supporting your dentures.
2. Handle Them Carefully
You should handle your dentures with lots of care when cleaning, placing, or removing them. Ensure that you do not damage or bend the plastic or clasps when cleaning the dentures. You can also put a folded towel inside the sink or bowl of water when cleaning your dentures. These measures help create a soft landing for the dentures in case they fall while cleaning. When handled with care, your dentures can serve you for many years.
3. Avoid Wearing Your Dentures to Bed
Dentures are highly durable, but they require some time off from the daily grind. In addition, your mouth also needs a break from wearing dentures. You should take your dentures out before sleeping to give tissues in the mouth time to recover. You should clean your dentures and soak them overnight in a special denture cleaner to prevent bacteria. The nightly soak also prevents the dentures from warping, enabling them to maintain their shape.
4. Schedule Routine Dental Checkups
Your dentist will let you know how often you should have your dentures professionally examined and cleaned. They will also ensure your dentures fit properly to avoid slippage and discomfort. If your dentures become loose, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores, and infection.
5. Take Care of Your Overall Oral Health
To ensure that your dentures continue to fit snugly, you must take good care of your gums. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, you should still need maintain the habit of brushing your gums, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue to remove bacteria and plaque. If you still have remaining natural teeth, ensure that you brush and floss them regularly.
Conclusion
If you use dentures, you understand they are an important part of your daily routine. Keep these essential tips in mind to take good care of your dentures and your overall oral health. With proper care and oral hygiene, your dentures can help you chew and speak comfortably for many years to come.
Even with a proper dental hygiene routine, it’s sometimes necessary to have your dentures relined or replaced. If your dentures are uncomfortable, significantly worn, or presenting other issues, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist.
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5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Dentures first appeared on
Dental Signal.