Dentures can be essential to your oral health care if you’re missing teeth. If you don’t know, these prosthetic teeth are designed to replace missing or damaged teeth. Furthermore, they are custom-made to fit your mouth and can give you back a natural-looking and functioning smile.
However, taking proper care of them is imperative to keep them looking and feeling their best. Taking care of your dentures is not complicated, but it requires diligence and dedication. Here are some helpful tips from family dentists to ensure they stay in top condition and last for years to come.
1. Brush Your Dentures Every Day
First and foremost, it’s important to brush your dentures every day. Like natural teeth, you should brush dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use non-abrasive toothpaste and brush the entire surface of the dentures, both inside and out. This will help remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can build up on the dentures.
2. Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Keeping your dentures clean and disinfected is essential to preventing the buildup of bacteria and other debris that can cause bad breath, gum irritation, and other dental problems. Soaking your dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution is an effective way to do this.
However, when selecting a denture cleaning solution, it is important to choose one specifically designed for it. These solutions are typically made of a combination of ingredients that effectively kill bacteria and other microorganisms and remove debris. The solution should also be gentle enough not to damage your dentures; harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia are a no-no in this case.
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your family dentist is essential for maintaining good oral health and keeping your dentures in good condition. Regular check-ups and adjustments can ensure that your dentures fit properly and that any problems are caught and addressed early on.
During a dental check-up, your family dentist will check the fit of your dentures, check for signs of decay, and check for gum disease. They will also take x-rays to check for any underlying issues. If necessary, they can adjust your dentures to ensure a proper fit.
4. Avoid Hard or Sticky Food
If you wear dentures, you must be mindful of what you eat. While dentures can help you to eat and speak normally, some foods can cause damage to them. Hard and sticky foods can be particularly problematic, as they can cause the dentures to bend, break, or become loose.
Hard foods can damage dentures by breaking or cracking them. Examples of hard foods include nuts, hard candy, and ice. Sticky foods, such as caramels and gummy bears, can cause dentures to stick to the roof of your mouth or gums. This can cause the dentures to become loose and uncomfortable.
Instead, opt for softer, non-sticky foods such as cooked vegetables, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soft fruits. Before eating, you should cut up larger pieces of food into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to chew and reduce the risk of damaging dentures.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of dentures is essential to ensure that they remain in excellent condition and continue to work properly. The tips outlined above can help you keep your dentures in great shape and make them last longer. With the right care and maintenance, your dentures should last many years.
Melrose Dental Group has a team of equipped and reliable family dentists in Melrose, MA, to aid you with your denture care needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment.