Denture care is just as important as caring for real teeth. It keeps them fitting properly and lasting longer. When first getting dentures, talk with your dentist to see what he or she recommends to do to care for your new teeth. Below are four tips to keep your dentures in tip-top shape.
Brushing correctly
Although you still need to brush your dentures just as you would regular teeth, the process is a little different. You should start by purchasing a denture brush – these are softer than ordinary toothbrushes and are shaped to fit around dentures. Toothpaste is a no-no. Believe it or not, hand soap and dishwashing liquid soap are acceptable to clean dentures and the chemical in them will not harm the dentures.
Rinse and soak
After eating, make sure to rinse your dentures of any food particles, especially if you don’t plan on brushing them right away. When not wearing dentures for long periods of time, such as sleeping, rinse them, brush them with a denture cleaner and place them in room temperature water for the time being. Dentures should never be put in warm water, as it could cause them to warp, and they should always be kept moist.
Taking care of your gums
Denture care includes taking care of your gums. After removing dentures and before re-inserting them, brush your gums, tongue, cheeks and any regular teeth you may have with a traditional fluoride toothpaste. This helps remove bacteria and maintain good oral health.
Schedule regular dental check-ups
Even if you take good care of your dentures, you should visit the dentist regularly to ensure your dentures are still fitting properly. Over time, attachments can break or become loose or warped, causing your dentures not to sit on your gums correctly. This can cause problems with eating, talking and mouth closure. If you notice a broken attachment, visit your dentist immediately.
Gulf Coast Dental offers partial and full dentures, with options in both categories depending on what each individual patient needs. If you think dentures may be for you, contact us today to talk with a specialist!
