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Dentures work hard in giving confident smiles to those who are missing a tooth or a few. Whether you’re wearing partial or full dentures, you’ll have to treat them with care so that you can keep them in good shape for as long as possible. Regular cleaning gets rid of stains and bacteria, which may end up causing damage to your teeth and gums.
Below are five tips on how to look after your dentures to keep them working for a long time:
1. Handle them with care
Most dentures are either made of acrylic resin or porcelain with metal parts. These are delicate materials, and they may lose their shape or break if you’re not careful. When handling your dentures, hold them over a soft towel or by a bowl of water. Never place them in dangerous areas where they can easily be knocked over or accessed by your kids and pets.
2. Brush your dentures daily
Ideally, you should remove and rinse your dentures after every meal. Plaque and food particles may get stuck in between them and cause discoloration over time. If you can’t do this when you’re out, be sure that you brush them at least once a day.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning your dentures. Though your dentist may recommend a cleaning solution, you can also use mild liquid hand soap for cleaning. However, never attempt to bleach or use whitening types of toothpaste because these contain abrasive ingredients that can spoil them. Rinse them in cold or lukewarm water and never hot water because doing so may warp plastic dentures.
3. Make sure your whole mouth is clean as well
Just because you’re wearing dentures doesn’t mean you can ignore your real teeth. Even if you’re wearing complete dentures, you still have to care for your gums. Whenever your dentures out, make sure that you give your whole mouth a good rinse. Continue your routine of proper brushing of the teeth, gums, and tongue. Having good oral hygiene means you’re reducing the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, which could affect your dentures’ performance and lifespan.
4. Give your dentures a break
Remember to take your dentures off every night before going to bed. Doing this gives your mouth a much-needed time to rest and recover from wearing a foreign object the whole day. It’s good for your dentures as well, because most types need to stay moist to retain their shape. Soak your dentures in warm water or denture solution to help remove stains, plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
5. See your dentist regularly
Yearly dental visits are recommended for adults, and those who have dentures may need to see their dentists more often. Aside from cleaning them, your practitioner will check their fit. If you notice your dentures getting too tight or loose, never try to adjust them yourself. Schedule a trip to your dentist’s. Improper fitting may cause irritation, sores, and other gum problems.
With proper maintenance and good oral hygiene, your dentures can last for as long as possible.
If you’re looking for high-quality dentures, get in touch with your local dentist in Ypsilanti Mi today! We’re happy to help.
