Dentures are one of the most incredible modern inventions anyone could ask for. People who have lost teeth due to dental health problems and accidents can now live their lives with plenty of confidence thanks to these devices. Since dentures can easily be worn and removed, adjusting to life with them isn’t difficult or complicated at all.
Like clothes and other essential items, dentures require good maintenance. Proper denture care isn’t just a matter of dipping them in water every night, but also cleaning them as needed and handling them responsibly. Here are some tips to help you ensure that your dentures can really last for a long time.
DO Soak Your Dentures
You might have seen some elderly people soak their dentures in a glass before sleeping. Soaking dentures overnight is actually a vital part of good denture care since most full and partial dentures need plenty of moisture to hold their shape. You should soak your dentures in water or a soaking solution when they aren’t in use. If you aren’t sure about how to store or soak your dentures properly, you can consult your dentist.
DON’T Use Hot Water
Hot water definitely isn’t something that should be used lightly. Soaking your dentures in hot water can cause them to become warped and unusable, so always stick to cool water or a soaking solution prescribed by your dentist.
DON’T Rinse Your Dentures While Wearing Them
It’s normal for food debris to get stuck in your dentures after eating. You’ll need to regularly rinse your dentures in order to keep them free of any tiny particles and dirt. It’s always important to rinse your dentures before wearing them since this will ensure that all parts and corners of it will be properly washed and cleaned. Rinsing your dentures separately will also ensure that your mouth doesn’t suffer any burns or injuries due to chemicals in your soaking solution.
DO Brush Your Dentures (Without Toothpaste)
You’ll need to properly brush your dentures daily if you want them to be free of any food, dirt, and bacteria. When brushing your dentures, always use a soft-bristled brush specially designed for the job. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes as they can cause scratches and all sorts of wear-and-tear, and always stick to nonabrasive denture cleaner.
DO Handle Your Dentures With Care
Dentures can become warped or damaged if they’re handled way too roughly. Do brush your dentures gently to avoid causing scratches and other serious damage. You should also avoid squeezing or bending your dentures while cleaning or soaking them. If you’re concerned about dropping your dentures by accident, you can place kitchen towels on the sink or counter to minimize any damage.
DO Clean Your Mouth After Using Your Dentures
Dirt and food particles can pass from your dentures to your mouth, so don’t forget to brush, floss, and clean your mouth as needed. After removing your dentures, be sure to brush your teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also use a tongue scraper to remove any remaining dirt from your mouth. Be sure to also use your arsenal of oral hygiene tools to remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums as they could cause serious health complications if ingested.
DON’T Forget To Visit Your Dentist
You can’t underestimate the power of a proper dental check-up. Don’t forget to visit your dentist as needed. He or she can best examine the state of your dentures and clean them properly. Your dentist can also check whether or not your dentures fit right and make any necessary adjustments. If your mouth doesn’t feel right, or if you think your dentures have become loose, you should visit your dentist and have them resolve such problems right away.
DON’T Use Abrasive Products
Whitening toothpaste and bleaching products can damage your dentures and even cause discoloration. They can also cause your dentures to become too warped and misshapen, or even too loose for everyday use. Chlorine is also a big NO-NO as it can seriously damage the metal attachment in dentures. You should always stick to using soaking solutions that have been prescribed by your dentist.
DON’T Wear Dentures 24/7
Dentures aren’t meant to be worn 24 hours a day. Wearing your dentures for too long puts too much pressure on your gums and the bony ridges underneath. It can also cause significant bone loss, the spread of harmful plaque on the tongue, teeth, and gums, and other serious oral health problems. To avoid damaging your teeth, gums, cheeks, and jaw, always remove your dentures before your sleep.
DO Wear Your Dentures As Needed
I once made the mistake of refusing to wear my retainers after my braces were removed. This mistake cost me the perfectly straight teeth that my parents and I wanted. Your dentures might seem too uncomfortable to wear at first, but you'll get pretty used to them as long as you keep wearing them every day. You might not even feel or notice them at all after just a few weeks!
DON'T Try To Fix Them On Your Own
Dentures aren't everyday household items that can be fixed with just a few whacks of the hammer. They're special devices made with materials and designs best understood by your dentist. If you ever experience any mishaps with your dentures, you should always take them to your dentist instead of trying to fix them yourself.