Dentures have continued to be a popular method to refurbish smiles after tooth loss because they provide so many benefits. They can restore a great deal of your ability to eat and speak more smoothly while simultaneously enhancing your appearance to boost your confidence. It’s important to care for them properly if you want to continue to make the most of them. If you’re not sure what that looks like, keep reading to learn 5 tips for maintaining your dentures so you can enjoy the advantages of a beautifully refurbished smile.
Tip #1: Rinse After Meals
With dentures in place, you can once again enjoy your favorite meals with family and friends. You don’t want any bits of food to stick around and attract unhealthy bacteria, though. Rinsing your restoration after eating removes any leftovers and prevents potential plaque buildup. As a bonus, you’ll be less likely to develop bad breath.
Tip #2: Remove Them to Brush
Many patients wonder if it’s okay to brush their dentures while they’re still in their mouths. While it’s possible, it’s generally not recommended because you can’t reach all the surfaces that way. Take them out daily and gently scrub them with a soft-bristled brush and a special cleanser that’s not overly abrasive. Be sure to clean any grooves that fit against your gums to clear away any food particles, germs, or bits of adhesive if you use it.
Tip #3: Clean Your Mouth
You wouldn’t want to take the time to thoroughly cleanse your dentures just to reinsert them into a germy space, so take the time to refresh your mouth, too. You can brush any remaining natural teeth twice daily as usual. Otherwise, you should wipe down the insides of your cheeks and lips, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue with gauze or your toothbrush to discourage unwanted bacteria from flourishing.
Tip #4: Soak Them Overnight
It’s a good idea to keep your dentures moist because toxic microbes love a dry atmosphere. Not only that but keeping them wet helps retain their shape, so they continue to fit your mouth as intended. That means you shouldn’t leave your restoration out to air-dry at night. Put them in a glass of water or special soaking solutions while you sleep, instead.
Tip #5: Maintain Dental Checkups
You should schedule an appointment with your dentist every 6 months so that they can monitor your oral condition as well as your restoration. If something happens, like you develop gum disease or your dentures become loose, they can catch it in time to treat it before it progresses.
By making a few easy adjustments to your daily habits, you can keep your dentures looking and feeling great for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas provides a wide range of top-quality services to improve the quality of his patients’ lives by enhancing their oral health, including dentures. He earned his undergraduate degree from Purdue University and then achieved his doctorate at Indiana University School of Dentistry. He stays current with the latest dental technology and techniques with ongoing educational courses so that you’re sure to receive up-to-date treatments. With state-of-the-art equipment onsite, he can quickly identify problem areas and provide individualized solutions to meet your needs. Plus, he uses top-tier materials for long-lasting, lifelike restorations. If your dentures are in bad shape and you need help, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (219) 663-2892.