Losing a set of teeth can affect the structure of your face, the appearance of your smile, the way you speak, and your manner of eating. One of the best solutions to address such problems is having durable and long-lasting dentures.
Dentures are artificial and removable teeth used to replace missing ones. They can help people who’ve lost their teeth regain their confidence to smile brightly, eat the foods they love, and speak articulately. Also, dentures prevent facial sagging due to lack of structure and teeth loss.
If you’re one of those who’ve lost their natural teeth, you may visit Dentex Dental or any local dental clinic near your area. They’ll evaluate your condition and see if you’re a good candidate for partial or complete dentures. This is because not all people may be given dentures, especially those suffering from periodontal disease or oral cancer.
But, if you’re qualified to receive one, it’s important to learn how to take good care of your dentures. That being said, here are some dos and don’ts for proper and optimum denture care:
Do Find The Right Toothbrush For Your Dentures
When cleaning your dentures, a soft-bristled toothbrush may work fine. However, it’d be better to use a denture toothbrush to clean your artificial teeth in the best way possible.
Unlike regular soft-bristled toothbrushes, a denture toothbrush has bristles perfectly designed to clean dentures properly. Also, its bristles are soft yet firm enough to effectively remove dirt without damaging your dentures. In addition, it has an ergonomic handle to improve grip and help people with a limited range of movements maintain healthy oral care.
On a side note, electric toothbrushes can also be used when cleaning dentures, but with certain limitations. It’s not recommended to use these devices on full dentures, although they’re viable for partial dentures.
Don’t Keep Your Dentures While You Sleep
Dentures shouldn’t be worn overnight. You need to remove them when you’re going to bed to let your gums take a rest. Doing this may prevent you from experiencing mouth problems, such as gum disease, plaque formation, and other issues related to poor oral hygiene.
In addition, sleeping with dentures accelerates bone loss. This is due to the constant pressure being put on your gums, together with the bone underneath them. On top of that, wearing dentures overnight promotes bacterial and fungal growth that could cause halitosis (bad breath), as well as mouth irritation and inflammation.
That being said, you need to avoid sleeping with your dentures on as much as possible.
Do Soak Your Dentures Overnight
When you’re not wearing them, especially at night, it’s best to leave them soaked in water overnight. Why is soaking important to your dentures?
By soaking your dentures, you’re keeping them moist, which prevents them from losing their given form. You may soak them using a tap or distilled water. However, some dentists would prefer soaking them using a denture cleaning solution occasionally. But, since some manufacturers have different instructions on how to use cleaning solutions, it’d be best to consult your dentist first before using any of those.
Furthermore, don’t forget to rinse your dentures when you soak them on cleaning solutions overnight to prevent irritations due to the chemicals present in the liquid.
Don’t Use Denture Cleanser While Wearing Your Dentures
Denture cleansers may help you effectively clean your dentures, together with brushing. However, these materials may contain potentially harmful chemicals to humans that may cause mild to severe mouth irritation and inflammation. That being said, it’s not advisable to use them while wearing your dentures.
Also, rinse them properly when you use denture cleansers to remove and eliminate any trace of harsh chemicals that can make you sick once you ingest them.
Do Consult Your Dentist About Ill-Fitting Dentures
Ill-fitting dentures are dentures that don’t fit in your mouth. They could be too big or small, resulting in various oral conditions and discomfort.
Here are some problems that may result from wearing ill-fitting dentures:
- Gum Irritation – Ill-fitting dentures may rub against your gums, causing damage and irritation. If this continues, it may lead to oral cancer.
- Oral Blisters – The rubbing of ill-fitting dentures may cause blisters in the gums and tissues around your mouth.
- Eating Difficulties – Wearing ill-fitting dentures may cause you pain, making it difficult to chew your food.
If you think your dentures are too loose, consult your dentists as soon as possible to prevent other possible issues.
Final Words
Dentures help people who’ve lost their teeth in many ways, such as restoring youthful smiles, preventing facial sagging, and helping them eat properly. For these reasons, it’s important to know the best practices of caring for them.
You may follow the basic dos and don’ts presented above to keep your dentures looking good and feeling great. These include using a denture toothbrush, removing and soaking dentures overnight, rinsing harsh cleansers, and consulting your dentist about ill-fitting dentures.
