“Caring for your smile” usually means brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once per day, and visiting your dentist for biannual checkups. But do the same principles apply when you have dentures? You’re asking the right questions – denture maintenance is a little different than what you might be used to and is just as important for promoting good oral health.
Keep reading, and you’ll pick up some smile-care tips that are better suited for false teeth!
Clean Your Dentures – And Your Mouth
Whether you’re wearing full or partial dentures, it’s crucial to keep your oral biome clean and hygienic. Otherwise, bacteria build up could cause gum disease, infection, or unpleasant odors.
To care for your mouth, you should brush your gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and any remaining teeth on a daily basis. For your dentures, be sure to rinse them with lukewarm water after every meal and brush them with hand soap at least once a day.
Take Them Out for A Nightly Soak
Removing your dentures before bed and soaking them in a cleaning solution while you sleep has two benefits:
- This gives your gums a chance to breathe – literally. They require good circulation to remain healthy, and can’t get that when your dentures are suctioned in place.
- The cleaning solution can sanitize your dentures more thoroughly and make them easier to wash the next morning. Just remember to rinse them off before reinserting them!
Carefully Avoid Accidents
Make no mistake, your dentures are designed to last. However, heavy impacts can and will damage them. To avoid frequent repairs and replacements, spread a soft towel over your countertop while you brush them, keep them out of reach of curious pets and rambunctious kids, and never try to fix them yourself.
Report Abnormalities to Your Dentist
Did you know that your gums and jawbone actually change shape over time? This is a natural process, but it does mean your dentures will have to be refitted from time to time. It can be tricky to notice when they’re no longer the right size, so it’s important to watch out for gum irritation, oral sores, and frequent issues with slippage. Report abnormalities like these to your dentist, and they’ll make sure your dentures are still right for you.
Caring for your smile requires a few extra steps when you have dentures, but overall the process is still fairly simple – and definitely worth it. If you do have trouble maintaining your prosthetic teeth, remember that your dentist is just a phone call away!
About the Practice
With Dr. Amanda Cobb as our skilled dentist and Dr. Dan Mazor as our knowledgeable periodontist, we’re well-equipped to help patients with denture maintenance and gum health at Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys. If you have any questions or concerns about your dental restoration or other oral matters, please contact our office at 305-680-1553.