Whether you have a few gaps in your grin or are missing an entire mouth full of pearly whites, dentures are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. These restorations have been around for centuries helping anyone for laypeople to presidents keep their smiles looking lovely. Compared to your natural teeth, dentures require some extra care. Read on to learn some tips on caring for dentures that will help you keep them in excellent condition and looking their best.
Tip #1: Brush Your Dentures Every Day
Just like your natural teeth, you need to make sure to brush your dentures each day. Brushing them before you go to bed will get rid of plaque, bacteria, and food particles that have built up on them throughout the day. This will lower your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. This will help you avoid scratching your dentures.
Tip #2: Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Soaking your restorations every night is also key to caring for dentures. Use fresh water or a denture cleaning solution to soak them overnight. This will remove any food particles, plaque, and bacteria that you missed when brushing. This will also give your gums a break since you may notice some soreness in them after wearing your restorations all day. Rinse your dentures off before you put them back on in the morning to avoid introducing potentially harmful cleaning solution into your mouth.
Tip #3: Handle Your Dentures with Care
Be gentle when caring for dentures so you don’t accidentally damage them. When cleaning your dentures, over a sink full of water or a clean towel. This will help you avoid cracks or breaks in your restorations by giving you some cushioning if you accidentally drop them.
Tip #4: Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Even if you don’t have any teeth left, you still need to visit your dentist regularly for checkups. Missing teeth no longer provide your jawbone with the stimulation it once got from chewing and biting. This will cause it to start eroding. Biannual visits help them keep track of how your mouth is doing and to adjust your dentures to fit your mouth better if need be. In some cases, your dentist may also be able to have your restorations professionally cleaned.
The above information should make caring for dentures a breeze. As long as you take good care of your restorations, you can enjoy a healthy, full smile for years to come!
About the Practice
The oral health of patients in Bedford is in good hands with Dr. Jay Owen, Dr. Rudy Wolf, Dr. Philip S. Walerko, Dr. Gwen Hooks, and Dr. David L. Polk. They lead the team at PeaksView Dental and make patient care their top priority. If you’re missing several or all of your teeth, they can help you decide if dentures are right for you. They can also give you tips on properly caring for dentures. If you want to set up a consultation with PeaksView Dental or to learn more about their services, call (540) 586-8106 or visit their website.
