Denture Care for Dummies
By: admin | Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 | Dentures
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
So you just decided that it’s time for you to get dentures. Before you make the final decision, there is a lot you should know, especially since dentures require more extra care than other options to replace missing teeth. So are you up to the denture challenge?
A Different Kind of Brushing
Just like you should brush your teeth every morning and night, you also need to brush your dentures. However, things will go down a little differently. First, you don’t want to use a normal toothbrush. Look for one with soft bristles that is specifically-designed for use on dentures. Next, do not use toothpaste. Brush with only water. These two conditions are to protect your dentures from abrasive materials and extra wear and tear.
Everything else is pretty self-explanatory. Brush all over to remove food and prevent stains. Rinse your dentures (meaning, remove them from your mouth) after every time you eat. You will also need to brush your gums and tongue, just like you did without your dentures. These parts of your mouth will still get dirty, and you need to prevent gum disease.
A Little TLC
Your dentures will be very fragile, so make sure to treat them with care. When brushing, do not brush too hard, and avoid damaging the plastic or attachments that will help them stay in your mouth. In addition, if you drop them they will break, so always hold them over a soft folded towel or a sink full of water.
Squeaky Clean and in Tip-Top Shape
If you can, buy special denture cleaner. At the very least, you need to use mild soap, such as hand soap or dishwashing liquid to clean your dentures. There are also some cleaning devices that use ultrasonic sound waves to clean extra debris off your dentures. Each night after you clean your dentures, place them in a denture solution to keep them from drying out and becoming misshapen.
If you have more questions about how to care for your dentures or what you can expect from these new “teeth,” talk to your dentist.
