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In the past, people often frowned upon the thought of wearing dentures. They were rough, ill-fitting, and difficult to maintain. Fortunately for us, dental technology has come a long way since the olden days.
Dentures are now comfortable, durable, and almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. This modern convenience doesn’t mean that we can ignore our dentures or the rest of our teeth. Proper maintenance is still vital for keeping the dentures looking as good as new for as long as possible. In the same way, good oral hygiene is crucial to keep your mouth healthy despite having fewer teeth.
Whether you’re wearing full or partial dentures, here are five tips for your daily oral hygiene routine:
1. Soak your dentures while you sleep
Most dentures need moisture to retain their shape. When they dry out, they’re more prone to cracking and warping. Because of this, dentists will tell you to soak your dentures overnight and soak them in room-temperature or lukewarm water. Never soak them in boiling water because it will cause the dentures to deform. To help remove germs and stains that may have built up throughout the day, you can add cleansing tablets into the water.
2. Allow your gums to rest
Removing your dentures before you sleep gives your gum tissues a chance to rest and heal. These sensitive parts of your mouth might get strained from being in contact with a foreign object all day. If your gums are well-rested, your dentures will feel more comfortable to wear the following day.
3. Remove and rinse after every meal
Ideally, you should brush your dentures after every meal. For people on the go, this is not always possible. Even if you can’t give them a proper cleaning, at least give them a good rinse. This will remove any food particles and other debris that may have gotten stuck while you were eating.
4. Know how to clean your dentures properly
Similar to your natural teeth, dentures need daily cleaning as well. Brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning solution to get rid of plaque, tartar, and other deposits. Never use bleaching or whitening agents, and avoid using toothpaste because they contain abrasive ingredients that may create tiny scratches on your dentures.
If you don’t have an effervescent solution, you can use mild liquid handsoap instead. Those that use denture adhesive should clean the groves against the gums to make sure any trace of glue is removed.
5. Don’t forget your real teeth
When you lose a tooth or two and start wearing dentures, you may think that oral hygiene is negligible because you have fewer teeth. However, daily oral care should be a priority because having healthy teeth and gums affect the performance and lifespan of your dentures.
For those wearing full dentures, cleaning the gums gets rid of bacteria and fungus build-up that may cause bad breath, sores, and other oral problems. The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria because it is dark and moist. By removing your dentures and cleaning your teeth and gums daily, your mouth will remain healthier.
If wearing dentures is new for you, your new oral routine may feel odd and inconvenient. However, if you follow these steps every day, it will soon be a habit. Whether you’re wearing complete or partial dentures, having good daily hygiene is essential for having a healthier, more confident smile.
If you’re looking for any assistance with your dentures, get in touch with your local dentist in Ann Arbor today! We’re happy to help.
