Dentures take the place of missing teeth. They should be cared for efficiently to ensure their longevity and correct fit. However, new wearers are aware that denture care can be pretty challenging at times. Dry mouth, foul breath, speech problems, chewing difficulties, and even infections are some of the problems associated with wearing dentures. Hence, knowing how to take care of dentures is going to help you in the long run.
Here are some dental care instructions you should follow:
Regularly Brush Dentures
Dentures have to be cleaned daily. They may have stains, tartar, and bacteria. Clean the dentures gently using a soft bristle brush and a good denture cleaner. There are brands of toothpaste specially formulated for brushing dentures. Alternatively, you may use mild hand soaps or dishwashing agents with warm water.
Good Hygiene Habits
Dentures are a common cause of fungal infections in the mouth. Always brush your tongue, gums, and cheeks before wearing dentures. This will help remove harmful bacteria that could contribute to gum irritation.
Soak Dentures
After brushing your dentures, we recommend a denture rinse. Soak your restoration with a nonabrasive denture cleanser to wipe out stains and food particles. This process will also help kill germs that cause foul breath. Do not use the denture rinse products inside your mouth. Make sure to rinse your dentures before wearing them.
Eat Food in Smaller Pieces
Eating with dentures may take some time. But this should not prevent you from eating a well-balanced diet. We recommend carving your food into smaller pieces to enable easy chewing. Furthermore, practice chewing on both sides of your mouth to avoid dislodging your dentures while eating.
Remain Hydrated
A dry mouth may cause gum and mouth irritation, thus increasing the chances of bacterial infection. Most often, denture users complain of dry mouth. It is therefore vital to keep yourself hydrated to replace body fluids like saliva.Â
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can adversely affect dentures. They may cause discomfort, stains, discoloration, and tooth decay. Avoid eating sticky foods like caramel or hard foodstuffs like apples and nuts as they may loosen your dentures. Instead, pick soft snacks such as smoothies and puffed crisps.
Give Your Mouth a Break
We advise removing your dentures for at least six to eight hours daily to allow the tissues in your mouth to heal. Sleeping without dentures is a perfect way to give your gums and mouth much-needed rest.
Store your dentures in warm water. This will help maintain their shape and prevent them from drying out. When handling your dentures, place a towel beneath them to avoid breakage in case of a mishap.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Schedule regular dental visits to check on the quality and fit of your dentures. We will examine your mouth for any irritation or infection. Professional teeth cleaning is also recommended at least twice yearly.
At Shepherd Dental office at 235 E Hildebrand Ave #100, San Antonio, TX 78212, we can give helpful tips to care for your dentures. You can reach us at (210) 820-0400 and schedule an appointment.
