One of the most widely used and most conservative of all artificial tooth options available to patients, dentures provide an excellent solution. When people think about traditional dentures, they think of the kind which notoriously slip out of place while eating or talking with others. These are held in place by an adhesive and can be taken out so patients can properly take care of them. Therefore, what are the do's and don'ts of denture care?
Proper Care
It is important to remove the dentures after every meal and rinse them off by running water over them. This helps to remove any residual food debris and other loose particles from their surface. Patients should also take to avoid rough handling of the dentures. They can break, especially the metal clasps.
With the dentures out of the mouth, patients should clean the oral cavity. Using a soft-bristled brush, to clean natural teeth and use another brush or gauze to remove any residual adhesive from the gums. It is important to be thorough when cleaning the tongue, cheeks, and even the roof of the mouth.
It is vital to clean the dentures at least once a day with a thorough brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Patients should take special care of the sections which fit against the gums. They should make sure to only use nonabrasive denture cleaner. Dentures should be soaked overnight to keep them moist to help them retain their proper shape.
Things To Avoid In Caring For Dentures
Due to dentures being softer than natural tooth enamel it is important to only use soft-bristle brushes. For the same reason, patients should not use strong cleaners or harsh toothpaste. Cleaning products with bleach should also be avoided as should whitening toothpaste. Hot water has been known to warp the dentures out of their proper shape and should be avoided. If you have more questions, feel free to schedule your next appointment with us.
