Caring for Dentures 101
If you have recently started wearing dentures, you know that they can be a good replacement for your natural teeth, but they require some extra care that you may not have been aware of before. Dentures are a big investment, and they can last a long time if they are treated right. As your Warren dentist, Dr. Apsey and the team at Smile Brightly want to help you get the most from your dentures. Here are some suggestions for caring for your new dentures, so they look great and last a long time.
Take Care of Your Mouth
Just because you no longer have your natural teeth, doesn’t mean that you can just stop caring for your mouth. For your dentures to fit right, feel good and to keep your mouth healthy, you still need to spend some time every day practicing good oral hygiene. With your dentures out, use a soft or extra soft bristled tooth brush and gently brush your gums, inside of your cheeks and tongue. Brushing your gums will get rid of any food particles that may be lodged between your gums and cheeks or lips, keeping these particles from getting stuck under your dentures. Brushing your tongue and gums will also prevent bad breath, eliminate plaque and reduce the bacteria in your mouth.
Brush Dentures Daily
Just like natural teeth, dentures can build up food and plaque, so they need to be brushed daily to reduce plaque buildup on your dentures, keep food particles from causing discomfort with your dentures, and reduce the bacteria in your mouth that can lead to bad breath or gum disease. When you brush your dentures, do not use regular tooth brushes or toothpaste. These products are too rough and abrasive for dentures. Make sure that you are using a brush and cleansing paste specific for dentures. These products will allow you to clean your dentures without scratching them. Scratches in your dentures will hold plaque and bacteria that can damage your dentures and cause bad breath.
Soak When Not Wearing
When you are not wearing your dentures, make sure that you soak them in either water or a soak designed for dentures. There are a number of products that can be purchased at your neighborhood grocery store or pharmacy that are great for soaking dentures. Soaking dentures will keep them clean and protect the teeth from staining or the pink part of your dentures from fading. Some denture soak products are effervescent (they bubble) which can help break down plaque and remove food from the spaces between the teeth of your dentures.
Have Regular Check-Ups
Make sure that you keep your bi-annual dentist visits. Visiting your dentist regularly will allow you to catch any issues that may arise in your mouth or with your dentures. Your dentist will be able to assess if your dentures are still fitting correctly, and make any adjustments to fit or fix loose teeth. Your dentist can also deep clean your dentures, removing stains and any built up plaque.
For More Information on Dentures, Contact Warren Dentist, Gregory Apsey
Dentures can be great, natural looking replacements for your teeth. If you have dentures and need a dentist that can help you care for them, ensuring that your investment lasts as long as possible, Dr. Apsey and his amazing Smile Brightly staff are ready to help. For more information on our dental services in Warren, or to schedule a dental appointment, please call us today at (586) 573-7700.