Dentures are important oral health devices that help people maintain a proper bite and smile. They serve both functional and aesthetic roles during dental care. Due to the sensitive role that these devices play, proper denture care is important for all patients to know.
Caring for dentures not only keeps them highly functional, it also keeps them working for longer. To properly care for your dentures, keep the following tips in mind.
- Clean your dentures everyday
Your dentures are hard at work during every meal. As a result, they tend to accumulate plaque and debris from food items. It is important to clean your dentures daily in order to remove all particles from their surface.
During cleaning, use a soft brush that is designed for dentures and avoid using toothpaste. It is also a good idea to rinse the dentures after you finish a meal and to occasionally soak them in a denture cleaning solution.
- Handle them with care
Your dentures are quite sensitive and you should treat them that way. If they fall, they can break and fall out of fit with the rest of your mouth. To avoid this risk, you should get into the habit of filling your sink with water and having a towel on the side of the sink whenever you handle your dentures.
In addition, if engaging in any strenuous activity, take extra caution of your dentures. A simple knock in the mouth can cause them to shatter while you're wearing them.
- Visit your dentist regularly
Getting dentures does not mean that you are done with the dentist. You should visit your dentist at least once a year so he/she can inspect the dentures and make sure they are properly fitting.
A denture that doesn't fit well can cause sores in the gums and mouth. As your mouth changes over time, the dentures need to be regularly adjusted to fit the new structure of your teeth and gums.
- Do not sleep with them on
In most cases, it is not a good idea to sleep with your dentures on, unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. Your gums need to rest and get some air. If the dentures are on for too long, they can irritate the gums and lead to sores. Make sure you take out your dentures every night, or for at least 6 to 8 hours at some point during the day.
