Just because dentures aren’t real teeth doesn’t mean you can neglect caring for them. You must take steps each day to ensure the health of your dentures and your mouth stay intact. The dentures need proper home care as well as professional care so that they stay in good working condition. If you need help caring for your dentures, then you should consider these seven tips.
1. Rest the Dentures
You should never sleep with dentures in your mouth. Taking the dentures out gives them a break, and your mouth also needs a break. The tissues in the gums can swell and become irritated over time if you keep the dentures in too long. Your mouth needs a chance to heal, and it can only heal when the dentures are given a break. You can soak dentures in warm water or a special cleaning solution overnight so that they are fresh and clean in the morning.
2. Be Careful When Cleaning
Dentures are sturdy, but they can break if they are mishandled. Modern dentures can cost quite a bit of money, so you will have to be careful. Try to clean them with something to support them underneath. If you drop your dentures, it’s better to drop them in a bucket of water than to allow them to hit the hard sink or the hard floor. Toothpicks should not be used on your dentures.
3. Keep them Safe
Don’t leave your dentures where children and pets can easily reach them. A dog could take the dentures outside and bury them if he thinks it’s a toy. Children may try putting the dentures on their mouths to play with them. Children and pets don’t know how important it is to keep the dentures safe, so don’t allow them to become toys.
4. Brush Daily
You need to brush the dentures daily to make sure they stay clean. Plaque and tartar can build up on dentures just as well as they can build up on real teeth. You can use soft brushes to ensure that you don’t scratch the surfaces of the dentures. Mild toothpaste, hand soap, dish detergent, and vinegar solutions are viable options for cleaning your dentures.
5. Go to the Dentist
A dentist can examine your gums to see how the dentures affect your oral health. They will note any chances to your gums, and they can spot sores that can cause trouble. A dentist can also offer tips for cleaning and maintenance of dentures. Your dentist may end up recommending immediate dentures if they deem it necessary. You should go to the dentist at least once per year for the best results.
6. Clean Your Gums
When you take the dentures out, you should use mouthwash to give your mouth a rinse. You can also massage your gums with a soft toothbrush or a washcloth. It’s good to keep the blood flowing normally in your gum tissue. Gums can also collect bacteria and other germs, so they need to be cleaned just as thoroughly as your dentures.
7. Note Changes in Fit
Do the dentures suddenly change how they fit in your gums? This can be a sign of gum disease. Even if you are healthy, the bones in the jaw change over time. You should always check with your dentist to see if the dentures can be adjusted to fit your mouth properly. Dentures that don’t fit properly cause sores and plenty of discomfort.
It doesn’t cost much money to keep your dentures clean and healthy. You also won’t spend too much time on denture maintenance. Taking these proactive steps will reduce the nasty bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Proper denture care will keep your mouth feeling clean. You must protect your dentures as if they were real teeth. They can break or ruin easily if you don’t exercise caution when cleaning and handling them.
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