Dentures are an effective way to restore your smile if you have missing teeth. They can work for you from seven to ten years at their best! That said, your false teeth will only reach that lifespan through proper care. Otherwise, they’ll likely get damaged and stop working much earlier. Fortunately, though, your Rocky Hill dentist is here to offer some help. Here are three crucial things to do when caring for dentures — they’ll help your prosthetics last a long while!
Give Your Dentures Daily Cleanings
More than anything else, denture care depends on daily cleanings. The habit keeps your false teeth (nearly) bacteria-free and removes stains to ensure they look their best. That said, follow the steps below every day in the future:
- Remove & Rinse Your Dentures Post-Meals: Once they’re out of your mouth, run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other particles.
- Clean Your Mouth After Removing Dentures: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth (palate). Remove any denture cream from your gums as well.
- Give Your Dentures a Good Brushing: Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive cleanser to remove food and plaque. If you use denture cream, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any left. Don’t use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
Handle Your Dentures with Care
While dentures act as substitute teeth, they can be somewhat fragile. Therefore, handling them carefully is important when they aren’t in your mouth.
For instance, removing your dentures should be a delicate process. When taking out the top one, place your thumb against your front teeth and press upward and outward toward your nose. Meanwhile, slowly pull on the lower denture while applying a rocking motion.
You should also hold dentures over a soft towel or water-filled basin when cleaning them. That way, they won’t break if you drop them.
Store Your Dentures Properly
As it turns out, dentures warp if they dry out or sit in hot water. As such, please keep them in a glass of room temperature water or denture solution when you’re not wearing them. The latter liquid would be beneficial, as it cleans your prosthetic while storing it.
Whatever you do, don’t wrap your dentures in a paper towel. They could be mistaken for trash and thrown away. Also, store smart by keeping your dentures away from kids and pets. These latter groups could easily damage your false teeth.
Even if you need replacement dentures someday, that time doesn’t have to be too soon. Care for your current ones well so you can enjoy the smile they provide.
About the Practice
Dental Essentials is based in Rocky Hill, CT. The practice combines quality treatment with a friendly atmosphere, as led by Drs. Matthew Scoles, Marc Scoles, and Julia Karpman. To that end, its staff can perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency procedures. You can trust the team for anything from a checkup to dentures! For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them on their website or by phone at (860)-563-3766.