Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because, regardless of how many natural teeth you have remaining, these prosthetics can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality simultaneously. With them in place, you can eat and speak much more like you used to before missing teeth left gaps in your grin.
Plus, they’re made from durable, customizable materials that can be made to look and feel as lifelike as possible. However, you must care for your new teeth correctly to avoid potential problems. Continue reading to learn 3 helpful tips for maintaining your dentures!
Tip #1: Stick to A Routine
You might think that if all or most of your teeth have gone missing there’s no more need to worry about your oral health, but nothing could be further from the truth. Even without teeth, your dentures can still accumulate plaque that contributes to gum disease. Unfortunately, this can flourish and spread to your jawbone if left unaddressed.
You should continue cleaning your mouth twice daily, even if you have lost all your permanent adult teeth. First, start by removing your dentures to scrub them thoroughly but gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap. You should also brush your gums to remove germs and other unwanted particles before reinserting your restoration.
Tip #2: Rinse After Meals
A thorough cleaning twice daily can help keep your mouth and new teeth in good shape, but you should also rinse your prosthetics after meals to prevent plaque from forming on their surfaces. Although the materials they’re made from won’t develop decay, any leftover bits of food that are trapped between your gums and the foundation of your dentures can attract harmful bacteria that cause oral issues.
Taking a few moments to hold your dentures under gently running water clears away debris and unwanted microbes to preserve your dental condition. Remember not to use overly hot water, which can warp the foundation so they no longer fit correctly.
Tip #3: Take a Break at Night
Have you ever been so drained after a long, stressful day that you dropped into bed with your dentures still inserted? This might be safe if it happens only occasionally, but it’s usually recommended that you remove them before bed at night for several reasons.
Firstly, your restoration relies on a firm suction against your connective tissues to remain firmly in place throughout the day, which reduces circulation to your mouth. That means your body can’t deliver essential nutrients or infection-fighting cells, increasing your vulnerability to periodontal problems. Additionally, removing them gives your tissues a much-needed rest and recovery period, which can help prevent sores and blisters from forming, making it more comfortable to wear your dentures.
Taking a few easy precautions to maintain your dentures can help you preserve your recently restored smile for years!
Meet the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison is passionate about helping families in Canton build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He is a third-generation dentist following in his family’s footsteps, and graduated from the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy. Today, he offers a comprehensive range of services to people of all ages, including lifelike dentures that help you eat, speak, and smile with greater confidence. You can request an appointment on the website or call (734) 453-6320.