December 16, 2024
Patients with extensive tooth loss find our affordable dentures in Montgomery, AL, to be a life-changing dental restoration. Missing teeth affect the appearance of your smile and make eating and speaking more difficult, forcing you to give up enjoying your favorite foods slowly.
Luckily, these dentures can help you recover your smile and enjoy it for years to come—if you maintain it properly. Here are some tips to help you prevent unwanted damage to this long-lasting dental restoration.
5 Tips to Take Care of Your Dentures
Step 1: Find the Right Supplies
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready. This includes:
- A soft-bristled denture toothbrush
- Denture cleaning solution
- A soft cloth or towel to handle your dentures
- A denture cup or container
- A source of warm water
It is especially important to choose the best denture cleaner for your type of denture. Dentures have different formulas depending on the materials used, so ask your dentist for recommendations.
Step 2: Remove Your Dentures
Wash your hands with soap and water before starting to lessen the possibility of bacteria getting into your mouth or restorations. Then, carefully remove your denture.
Step 3: Rinse Dentures
Remove any loose food particles from your dentures by holding them under warm running water. Avoid using hot water as it may distort the dentures.
To prevent dentures from slipping out of your hands, line the sink with a towel or fill a portion of it with water. If dentures fall and hit a hard surface, they may suffer damage.
Step 4: Cleaning Dentures
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush to thoroughly clean every surface of your dentures. Pay particular attention to nooks and crannies where food particles might be collected. Moreover, regular toothpaste contains abrasives that can harm dentures, so avoid using them.
Soaking dentures is another effective practice for removing stains and bacteria. Mix a denture cleaning solution or tablet with warm water and pour it into your denture cup or container. Then, submerge the dentures completely inside and leave them to soak for around 30 minutes.
Step 5: Cleaning Your Mouth
It’s important to clean your mouth before placing your dentures back in. If you have any natural teeth, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Even if you have lost all of your natural teeth, it is still crucial to keep your palate and gums clean.
To remove debris or plaque, use a soft toothbrush or a brush made especially for that purpose. Brushing also increases blood circulation, helping maintain healthy gum tissue.
Extra Step for Denture Adhesive Users
If you use denture adhesive, it is important to remove it at the end of the day. Rinse your gums and dentures with warm water and a soft toothbrush or special adhesive removal brush to remove any last bits of residue.
Additionally, use denture adhesive sparingly. Issues can arise from excess use.
Maintain Your Affordable Dentures in Montgomery, AL
Dentures require more than basic cleaning to protect them—their comfort, durability, and oral health all depend on proper maintenance. This won’t only help avoid infections, gum irritation, odor, and discoloration but also contribute to the durability of an important part of your daily life.
By following these tips, you can ensure your dentures last for years to come and let you enjoy a brighter and more comfortable smile. If you’d like to learn more about it, contact Woodmere Cosmetic & Family Dentistry!