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Dentures have historically been the most popular solution to refurbish a mouth full of missing teeth. They can greatly enhance your quality of life by allowing you to eat and speak more like you did prior to tooth loss. That said, you wouldn’t want something to happen to them that could interfere with your rediscovered joy in friendly meals and conversation. For your dentures to remain effective, you need to care for them properly. If you’re not sure what that looks like, read on to learn 4 tips to keep them in prime condition!
Tip #1: Rinse After Eating
One of the reasons dentures are so popular is that they provide you with a mouth full of false teeth to help you bite and chew, with a few dietary restrictions. You may be thrilled to enjoy some of your favorite dishes now that you’re able to once again. After you polish off your plate, though, remember to take your dentures out and rinse them. You’ll need to remove any remaining food particles that could attract harmful bacteria that could result in gum disease. Simply hold them under running water to rid them of debris.
Tip #2: Keep Your Mouth Clean
Your dentures aren’t the only place that unhealthy germs can cling. Even if you’ve lost all your teeth already, you could still develop gingivitis. To prevent it, be sure that you brush your gums, tongue, roof of your mouth, and any remaining pearly whites gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This keeps your mouth clear of destructive microbes and ensures that when you do put your dentures back in, they’re returning to a healthy environment.
Tip #3: Avoid Abrasive Substances
You’ll want to steer clear of certain items known to hurt your dentures to keep them in their best possible condition. Be on the lookout for:
- Harsh materials. Stiff-bristled toothbrushes or strong toothpaste could leave gouges on the surface or damage the structure.
- Whitening pastes. They usually contain peroxide which won’t do much to lighten your dentures.
- Bleaching products. Dentures won’t respond to these like natural teeth. Instead, they’ll become weaker and discolored.
- Hot water. This could warp the shape of your dentures so they no longer fit and cannot perform their function.
Tip #4: Go to Your Dentist
Maintaining regular appointments with your dentist ensures that they can catch and address any areas of concern before they develop into major issues. You should see them once every 6 months as a standard. Also, please call them first if you’re having problems with cracked or ill-fitting dentures. They have the expertise and instruments to make the necessary repairs or replacements. Trying to make adjustments on your own could result in additional injury which is both inconvenient and more costly.
Taking these precautions can help you make the most of your dentures for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Ashraf Seif has over 20 years of experience providing patients with a full range of dental services to meet their oral healthcare needs. He grew up in Syria where he obtained his first dental degree from Lattakia University Dental School. He then moved to the United States and graduated from the Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He offers full, partial, and implant dentures so whatever your condition, he can help! His compassionate team is happy to assist you in making an appointment. You’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (281) 837-9122.