Dentures can help you take back your life. With dentures, you can avoid the issue of missing teeth. Rather than hiding your smile, dentures can restore its spark while improving your oral function. If you have dentures, you need to know how to take care of them. It is not the same as caring for your natural teeth.
Handle with Care
While dentures are made of durable materials, you should handle them with care. They are not invincible. Dropping them can cause damage. To avoid damage, stand over a folded towel or a sink filled with water. This can cushion any accidental falls. If you handle your dentures carefully, you can avoid unnecessary repairs. Plus, you won’t need to make any unexpected trips to the dentist.
Clean Your Dentures Daily
Much like your natural teeth, dentures need daily cleaning. This process removes harmful plaque and food particles. Without regular cleaning, you can develop gum disease–even if you don’t have any remaining teeth.
When you clean your dentures, use a soft toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface. Scratches encourage bacteria growth. This can also make it harder to clean your dentures thoroughly. As a result, your dentures may stain or harbor bacteria.
Use a Denture Cleaner
You should still brush your dentures daily to remove food and bacteria. However, you should also use a denture cleaner or mild dish soap to keep them clean. When brushing your dentures, avoid using toothpaste. This is because some toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can damage the surface of your dentures.
Another way to keep your dentures clean is to rinse your mouth and dentures after eating. While you eat, food can become lodged in your dentures. This simple step helps keep your dentures clean and prevents bacteria buildup.
Soak Dentures Overnight
One of the biggest denture care tips you should remember is to soak your dentures overnight. This is because dentures must stay moist to retain their shape. When they become dry, your dentures may warp or crack. Unfortunately, this can allow bacteria to grow or make them uncomfortable to wear.
Additionally, you shouldn’t sleep with your dentures in your mouth. Your mouth needs a break from dentures. Otherwise, you can develop sores or infections. You can also develop respiratory infections from sleeping in your dentures.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Even if you take great care of your dentures, you still need to see your dentist regularly. When you go to the dentist, they will make sure that your dentures fit and function properly. If you have any issues, they can alter your dentures and make sure they are comfortable.
Avoid DIY Fixes
It can be tempting to try to fix your dentures if they break. However, you should not attempt to fix them yourself. If you don’t know what you are doing, you can damage your dentures even more. Your dental team designs your dentures to fit your mouth perfectly. If you don’t have the equipment or expertise to do this, you can hurt your dentures or your mouth.