Summary:
Wearing a denture can feel like a big difference, a sudden change from the norm.
However, with the proper care and guidance, one can navigate the time smoothly, which will help you achieve a beautiful smile and boost your confidence as well. Maintaining healthy and shiny teeth is not just for appearance, but also has a significant impact on your overall oral health.
Studies show that nearly 20% of adults over the age of 65 wear some form of denture, highlighting the commonality and importance of proper denture care.
A clean denture means a healthy mouth, and a healthy mouth means a happier you. Continue reading to discover more essential tips and tricks for maintaining optimal denture health. We will cover:
- Why Daily Denture Care Matters
- Cleaning Your Dentures the Right Way
- Caring for Your Mouth Alongside Dentures
- Eating and Drinking with Dentures
Let’s get started.
Why Daily Denture Care Matters
Getting your dentures done is one of the finest decisions an individual can make. But why is maintaining them daily so important? Let’s dig deep and understand the reasons:
- Oral health support – dentures are known to restore speech, chewing ability, and give you that aesthetically beautiful smile you can flaunt.
- Comfort and function – if you take proper care of your dentures, they will definitely serve you well. It will make using dentures comfortable, clean, and hassle-free.
- No bad breath – cleaning dentures and rinsing your mouth regularly will ensure a negligible chance of bad breath.
- No plaque buildup – because of daily cleaning of your dentures, there will be no accumulation of bacteria and thus no plaque.
Cleaning Your Dentures the Right Way
To ensure your dentures last a long time and maintain a healthy life, proper care and maintenance are vital. Mentioned below are some of the denture guides to keep them healthy:
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Brush Daily:
Let’s start with the basics. Brush your dentures daily, just as you would your natural teeth. This helps remove any food particles that may be stuck between teeth and also prevents plaque buildup. To clean all the surfaces of your dentures, use a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleanser as a gentle option. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it contains harsh chemicals that may not be suitable for your dentures.
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Inspect Regularly:
Always look for signs of wear and tear, which may include cracks or tears on the surface of the denture. Visit your dentist immediately to address any damage. In fact, regular visits and consultations with your dentist can help prevent the situation from worsening and catch it early.
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Soak Overnight:
Your dentures also require a break like you do. Let them rest as well. Soak them overnight when you are asleep. You can soak them in a mild cleaning solution recommended by your dentist. It removes any bacterial buildup and keeps your dentures moist, which is the most critical step in maintaining their shape.
Caring for Your Mouth Alongside Dentures
Rinse Your Mouth After Meals:
Rinsing your mouth after every meal helps remove any food particles that may be stuck in your mouth and also helps eliminate bad breath. It is a simple step, but it can make a massive difference in improving your oral health.
Brush Your Gums:
Even if you do not have your natural teeth, you still have your gums. So cleaning them regularly is crucial. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Cleaning them regularly helps stimulate circulation in your gums and removes plaque as well.
Regular Dental Visits:
After you have started wearing your dentures, schedule regular dental visits to ensure they still fit well and remain healthy. They will inspect and make necessary adjustments as needed, and also clean them regularly to maintain your gums with dentures in Summerville, SC.
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Eating and Drinking with Dentures
Sometimes, it may feel like a hectic task to eat and drink with your dentures in place. But once you are used to it, it will be a simple task and will happen naturally, just as it would with your natural teeth.
- Start with Soft Foods: After getting your dentures done, do not start with hard and chewy stuff right away. A dentist recommends eating soft foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, and bananas. This will not strain your new dentures and will give them time to adjust.
- Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: Dentures are very sensitive and require proper care and maintenance. Eating sticky foods or even hard foods like nuts, caramel, tough meats can be a bad friend to your denture. They have the potential to shift your dentures.
- Chew slowly and carefully: After starting with dentures, it might feel unusual for some time. However, sooner or later, you will become accustomed to it. Therefore, to get used to the feel of dentures, try taking smaller bites and chewing them slowly and properly.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is the key. You need to consume enough water to keep yourself and your dentures hydrated. This will prevent your mouth from getting dry and keep the dentures comfortable.
- Limit Stain-Causing Drinks: Drinks such as coffee, red wine, and tea can discolor your dentures, making them look unhygienic, which is the last thing we want. Therefore, keep yourself and your dentures away from such beverages.
Regular Dental Checkups in Summerville, SC
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups is essential. Even with complete dentures, regular check-ups remain essential.
As time passes by, dentures can loosen due to natural changes in gum and bone structure. Visiting your dentist regularly will give them an early indication of the situation and therefore allow them to adjust, reline, or replace the dentures to ensure they fit snugly and comfortably.
Regular checkups also prevent soreness, slippage, or difficulty while speaking and eating. Major issues, such as gum irritation, infections, or soreness caused by ill-fitting dentures, can also be prevented if detected early. Professional dentists can also detect oral cancer or other underlying issues during these check-ups.
Spending just one day on your regular dental check-ups can protect you from many serious issues in the future. To maintain your health and keep your dentures in good condition, schedule a regular visit.
Takeaway
- Clean daily – Brush and soak dentures regularly to prevent plaque and bad breath.
- Care for your mouth – Keep gums, tongue, and oral tissues clean for overall health.
- Visit your dentist – Regular checkups ensure dentures fit well and last longer.
- Ready to maximize the impact of your smile? Connect with our experts at Cane Bay Family Dentistry today!