Dentures are among the most common dental prostheses used for replacing missing teeth. In fact, they are worn by around one in five people. Do you wear one? Your dentures help you smile confidently and eat with ease, so it’s important to take good care of them to keep them in good condition. Proper denture care also encourages maintaining proper oral hygiene so you can reduce visits to an emergency walk-in dentist down the line.
No matter the type of dentures you wear, it’s important to know how to maintain them to prevent dental plaque formation that can cause gum disease and cavities. Wearing a prosthesis also means paying attention to your oral hygiene routine. Some dentures are made of resin or acrylic—which are materials that tend to be porous and become prone to biofilm and scale build-up. Here, you’ll find some tips to help you care for your dentures more effectively.
Things to do after every meal
For removable dentures, rinse them with tap water and brush with a special denture brush. Gently brush your gums under the dentures to stimulate blood circulation. A mildly abrasive toothpaste may be helpful. Consider lightly filling the bottom of your sink so that in case your dentures slip off your hands, the water can cushion its fall. This prevents breakage. Rinse your dentures with lukewarm water before wearing them again.
For fixed dentures, brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t forget to floss at least once a day while focusing under the base of the denture where bacteria is likely to thrive.
Before bedtime
Take off your dentures at night if it is removable, and soak it in a glass of water with cleaning product for prostheses. Don’t hesitate to ask the dentist at an orthodontic clinic for advice on which cleaner to use.
Professional cleaning
Tartar can accumulate on dentures and negatively affect the health of your gums and natural teeth. This is why it’s important to see the dentist at least once a year to have them clean your prostheses. Professional cleaning will restore the shine to the dentures by removing tartar buildup and stains. The dentist can also check for damage or problems to determine the need for a replacement.
Remember that if you feel any discomfort or irritation while chewing or in your gums while wearing your dentures, you should make an appointment with an emergency walk in dentist immediately to properly address the problem. They can check for a poorly fitted denture or for inflammation in the gums. They can also provide the best treatment and adjust your dentures when necessary.
Avoid consuming certain products
You may want to avoid smoking while wearing dentures because it is proven to inhibit blood flow around the teeth and gums, therefore increasing your risk of bone loss. You may also want to avoid dark sodas, coffee, wine, and dark fruits as these can stain the teeth. If you can’t avoid these drinks, rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to prevent staining.
How to maintain and clean the dental prosthesis
Keeping your dentures clean is part of good oral hygiene. Just be sure to be mindful of these things:
- Never use corrosive cleaners and bleach. Mild products are best for dentures to maintain lustre and reduce premature wear.
- Remember to clean the denture after every meal or snack with a soft toothbrush and clean water.
- Are your dentures stained? Consult with your dentist.
- When cleaning, hold the dentures carefully on one side to avoid distorting or over-tightening it.
- Remember to thoroughly rinse your mouth and massage your gums with a soft toothbrush when you remove your dentures.
- Clean your remaining natural teeth with dental floss and a toothbrush
Alpha Dental Clinic is a trusted orthodontic clinic that can help restore the function & replace missing teeth. Contact us if you need new dentures or if you require reliable cleaning services for your prostheses.
