Tips to Keep Your Dentures in Tip Top Shape
Almost half of Americans aged 65 and above have lost some or all their natural teeth due to gum disease or tooth decay. Tooth loss can affect your well-being and overall health. And the more teeth you lose, the more challenging it becomes to chew food properly to get the most of its nutrients.
Moreover, the more teeth you lose, the more difficult it becomes to speak when you are in public. And it can also affect your appearance, making you self-conscious all the time.
Although nothing can replace a set of natural and healthy teeth, several options are now available. And one of such replacements is dentures.
Dentures are those removable dental pieces that replace missing or damaged teeth. They come in 2 unique varieties: partial and full dentures.
- Partial dentures are the perfect choice for replacing a few teeth in a row. They last up to 3-5 years before a replacement is required. Check your insurance plan beforehand to see if you have any help available.
- Full dentures are generally used by older adults or seniors who may have lost nearly all their natural teeth. They can last up to 10 years if well taken care of.
Dentures are not real teeth but can also do the job of authentic ones. And that means they require special care to look good, just as you would take care of your natural teeth. Below are seven tips you may find useful for keeping your dentures in tip-top shape:
- Clean Your Dentures After Every Meal
Remove your dentures from your mouth and rinse off loose food particles carefully. Then wet a brush as well as a denture cleaner for a thorough cleaning. Use the brush to gently scrub every surface so that you do not damage your dentures’ plastic base.
- Do Not Drop Your Dentures Carelessly
Dentures are incredibly delicate and can easily break if you drop them on a hard surface such as a tiled floor. So, make sure you always handle them with care and do not drop them carelessly anywhere.
- Go for Breath Mints or Mouthwash Instead of Gum
It is no news that people with dentures struggle with sticky or hard foods. If you love chewing gum, but your dentures always slip out of place, consider opting for zero-sugar breath mints.
The latter will help to keep your dentures in place. You may also consider using mouthwash, instead of gum, to freshen your breath after each meal.
- Use the Right Tools When Cleaning Your Dentures
Using the right tools for cleaning your dentures is highly crucial. Make use of a soft-bristled toothbrush for your twice-daily cleaning rituals.
The brush will scrub away bacteria and stains without damaging the dentures . Do not forget to use a recommended cleaner for rinsing your dentures after every meal. Refrain from using plain water or dish soap as they may not provide the needed protection or care your dentures need.
- Ensure Your Denture are Always Moist
Do not let your dentures dry out. Dentures are porous, making them more pliable while giving you a more comfortable fit.
However, if you allow those pores to dry out, your dentures may become brittle. This will lead to severe discomfort, and the dentures may even break.
- Handle Dentures with Care
Dentures can deform or break easily if handled carelessly or roughly. Therefore, when fixing your dentures, do so in front of a mirror. Never force dentures into position. Treating or handling your dentures with care will ensure they last a long time.
- Visit Your Dentist from Time to Time
You should visit your dentist at least twice every year. Your dentist will check your dentures to ensure they continue to fit well and check for broken or chipped teeth.