Getting dentures for the first time can be overwhelming. It can also be exciting and emotional. You all of a sudden have the means to chew and talk properly and smile with confidence.
As a result, care instructions given to you by your dentist may not sink in, and you might be left feeling like you’re forgetting some of the most important information about your new teeth. To help your dentures last the distance, consider the following information.
Avoid Any Abrasive Cleaning and Care Products
You might think you’re doing right by your dentures by using strong cleansers, hard-bristled brushes, whitening toothpastes, and harsh oral care products, but you may actually be causing damage. There are specific denture products on the market to use to ensure you’re caring for your new teeth appropriately.
Some other products designed for your natural teeth can lead to damage. There’s also no point in using whitening toothpastes since peroxide rarely changes the colour of denture teeth.
While cleaning, it’s also worth keeping in mind that hot or boiling water should be avoided. These can warp your dentures, leading to expensive repairs.
Rinse Them After Eating
Just as you might drink a glass of water after a meal to cleanse your palate and your teeth, a similar process can be required for your dentures. Except, in this case, you can remove them from your mouth to rinse them to get rid of loose particles and food debris.
Brush Them Daily
Even though dentures and dental implants aren’t natural teeth, you can treat them like your natural teeth. Always brush your dentures daily by removing them and using a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Brushing helps get rid of food and plaque.
Handle Dentures With Care
As robust as dentures are to handle daily chewing, they are not resistant to damage. Every time you remove them from your mouth, take care not to bend or damage them in any way.
When cleaning them, place a soft towel underneath your hands to prevent damage in case you drop them unexpectedly.
Soak Them Overnight
Unlike your real teeth, you don’t need to sleep with dentures in your mouth. In fact, your dentist will advise that you don’t. However, you can’t just pop them out of your mouth and keep them beside the bed. They must be kept moist.
Store them in a denture-soaking solution or water overnight. Don’t forget to rinse them before putting them back in your mouth if you have used a specific cleaning solution. The denture manufacturer may also have detailed instructions for their care.
Don’t Neglect Your Mouth
With all this focus on your teeth, it can be easy to forget about your mouth. It can be just as important. Once you remove your dentures, clean your mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Focus on the roof of your mouth, cheeks, and tongue. If you use denture adhesive, remove this from your gums.
See Your Dentist Often
Even if you have spent a lot of time making sure your dentures are well cared for, you will still need to schedule regular dental visits. Your dentist can provide a professional cleaning service while also ensuring your dentures fit your mouth correctly and are comfortable.
The care process for dentures may be extensive, but it’s also reasonably straightforward. If you are unsure whether you’re doing everything possible to make your dentures last the distance, talk to your local dentist.