Taking care of dentures is just as important as taking care of natural teeth.
Without proper care, dentures won’t last as long as they should and the patient’s health may suffer, so it is really important to stick to a regime of thorough daily cleaning and care supplemented by regular visits to your dental professional.
Here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your dentures:
Keeping them clean. Whilst you don’t have to worry about getting cavities in your dentures, you do need to clean them regularly to avoid a build-up of dental plaque and tartar. Just like natural teeth, dentures collect bacteria and food debris which can cause bad breath and affect the health of your teeth and gums so you need to brush them twice a day to keep them clean and comfortable.
Use the right equipment. You should clean your dentures twice a day with a soft brush using a special denture toothpaste. Standard toothpaste is not advisable and you should avoid using corrosive products like vinegar.
Give your gums a break. Saliva is an amazing cleanser and dentists recommend that you remove your dentures at night to let your saliva hydrate and clean your gums and your mouth.
Soaking your dentures. When your dentures aren’t in your mouth, it’s a good idea to soak them in water. Adding a special anti-bacterial tablet to the water will also help to sterilise the dentures and keep them fresh and clean.
Clean your gums. Maintaining your overall oral health is just as important as keeping your dentures clean, so you should brush your gums, palate and tongue with a soft toothbrush to stimulate circulation in the tissues and remove plaque.
Avoiding stains. Modern high quality dentures look just like natural teeth, and just like natural teeth, they need regular maintenance by a professional dental practitioner. You may find that you can’t get rid of some stains or build-up through regular brushing and you will need to have your dentures professionally cleaned.
Schedule regular visits to the dentist. The structure of your mouth changes over time and it’s vital that you see your dental professional on a regular basis to ensure that your dentures are in good condition and that they fit properly. Loose or ill-fitting dentures can cause sore spots and swelling on your gums, so for optimum functionality and aesthetics, it’s important to have them checked, adjusted if necessary and professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Even though dentures need specific care that differs from the regular brushing and flossing of natural teeth, taking care of them isn’t a hassle. Keeping them clean and healthy should just be part of your normal daily routine, supplemented by regular visits to your dental clinic for a professional check-up and clean.
Our friendly and caring oral health professionals here at Discount Dentures in Perth and Joondalup will happily provide further information on denture cleaning and care. We provide a complimentary annual denture clean for our patients because we know the importance of care and cleaning in prolonging the lifespan of dentures and ensuring our patient’s overall oral health.
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