Dentures are one of several solutions for those who want to replace missing teeth and have a healthy, attractive smile.
Prioritizing the care and maintenance of your dental equipment and oral health is critical for experiencing the maximum benefits and convenience that dentures provide.
Understanding the significance and effect of proper denture care on dental health
Proper denture care is essential for prolonging its life and maintaining good oral health. When dentures are not properly cared for, plaque can accumulate and cause major problems.
Plague can lead to increased tooth loss, poor breath, and even gum infection when neglected. Understanding why meticulous maintenance is required might help you take the essential steps to ensure optimal care.
Preserving longevity
Like all other dental prostheses, dentures have a limited lifespan. However, with proper care, you can considerably increase their lifespan.
Preserving aesthetic appeal
Regular cleaning and maintenance methods help keep your dentures looking great by retaining their original color and shine. On the other hand, stains, discoloration, and poor care might result in a dull smile.
Improves comfort and functionality
Poorly maintained dentures can be unpleasant to wear, leading to irritation, sore spots, and pain in the mouth.
By practicing regular cleaning habits and following the advised maintenance methods, you can enjoy a comfortable fit while minimizing any potential mouth discomfort related to denture use.
How Do you Clean your Dentures?
Plaque and food cling to dentures in the same way that they do to real teeth. Plague can accumulate if you fail to clean your dentures, increasing your risk of gum disease and poor breath. To clean your dentures:
Remove and rinse dentures after eating
Run water over your dentures to remove food residue and any loose particles.
Brush your dentures at least once every day
Remove your dentures and gently clean them every day. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle denture cleanser.
This helps to remove food, plaque, and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, wipe the grooves against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive.
Handle your dentures cautiously
While cleaning, ensure not to bend or harm the plastic or clasps.
Soak the dentures overnight
Before bed, soak your dentures in lukewarm water or a soaking solution overnight. Do not allow your dentures to dry out. Dryness causes them to lose shape and become fragile. Wash your dentures before wearing them in the morning.
Note: Don’t keep your dentures in hot water. Heat can change the form of the material.
Is there anything to avoid?
To clean your dentures, avoid using any bleaching products. Bleaching may harm dentures and make them awful.
Maintaining Your Dentures: Why visit your dentist regularly?
Dentures that are properly cared for can last, on average, 5 to 10 years. Here are some ideas for keeping your dentures in good condition and extending their life.
Store them in water when not in use
Dentures are delicate and can be easily broken. When not being worn, immerse it in water (or a denture cleaner solution) to keep it in shape and flexible and prevent it from drying out. Don’t sleep with your dentures.
Do not apply teeth-whitening products
Some chemicals are too strong for dentures. Do not use toothpaste or teeth whitening products on your dentures. Abrasive toothpaste can cause damage, and whitening solutions could affect the color of your dentures.
Visit your dentist regularly
It is critical to see your dentist regularly to ensure that your dentures fit and align correctly. As you age, your gums might change form, causing your dentures to become loose. Your dentist can make any required modifications to ensure a proper fit and comfort.
When Broken
If your dentures break, contact your dentist. Do not try to mend broken dentures yourself, as this can cause additional damage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dentures are an effective dental remedy for missing teeth, providing practical and aesthetic benefits. However, swollen gums hinder some wearers’ experience. This section will look at ways to address typical denture problems and discomfort.
Dealing with denture sores and discomfort
Soreness and discomfort are common denture problems expected in the beginning phases of your adjustment period, particularly in the first few hours (or even days) after receiving your new dentures.
This often happens when your new dentures rub against your gums, causing pain and irritation that may bother you. However, the initial discomfort will decrease when your gums and mouth adjust to your new dentures.
Handling loose-fitting dentures
Regardless of how well-designed your new dentures are, your mouth and gums will take some time to adjust. During this time, your mouth, tongue, and gums are learning how to stay in place. Allow them time to adjust and be gentle while placing them each time they slide out.
This problem usually resolves itself as you get used to your new dentures. However, if your dentures continue to slip out after a few weeks, you might consider using denture adhesive.
Tips for Optimal Oral Health with Dentures
Here are a few tips to help maintain optimal oral health for denture wearers:
Keep track of what you eat
Following your dentist’s advice, eat only soft foods until you get used to your new partials. You don’t need to blend everything; choose soft, easy-to-chew items like spaghetti, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and soup. Avoid acidic meals that may irritate healing gum sores.
Note: Keep your mouth moist, as the lubricating saliva may decrease denture friction and minimize gum discomfort.
Practice good denture cleaning and hygiene
We understand that caring for your dentures might be difficult, but it is not as difficult as many people think. Proper care will keep your dentures in good shape for longer. Plus, they won’t hurt you. Dental hygiene will also help you avoid denture irritation.
Visit your dentist regularly
See your dentist if you have sore gums or partial denture pain or want to maintain good dental health. He will be able to examine the fit of your partials, fix any misalignment, and prescribe other treatments to relieve your pain or discomfort. Your dentist can advise you on how often you should visit.
Conclusion
Yes, dentures can sometimes be uncomfortable, but often only during the adjustment period. The only rule of thumb is to follow an effective denture care routine and practice good hygiene habits. Consistent cleaning not only increases the life of your dentures but also promotes good dental health.
Clean and soak your dentures every day with the right materials, and contact your dentist if you experience any issues.
