Removeable Dentures
Remove After Eating
Firstly, remember to rinse your denture after meals. Doing so keeps food and plaque from sticking to them. As a result, the habit will lower your risk of dental issues.
That said, avoid hot water for the rinses. High temperatures can warp denture material. Therefore, a steamy rinse could ruin your denture’s fit.
Clean Your Restoration
Aside from post-meal rinses, always give dentures once-daily cleanings. These sessions remove germs and debris that you’d otherwise miss.
Such a cleaning is pretty simple. Once the dentures are out of your mouth, brush them with a toothbrush and some hand soap. (However, avoid normal toothpaste; it’s abrasive and erodes dentures.) You should then soak the prosthetics if there’s time. In the end, rinse the dentures before returning them to your mouth.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
Sadly enough, dentures aren’t invincible. They can break or fracture under strong forces. Given that fact, you should keep dentures safe when they’re not in use.
There are several great ways to protect dentures. For instance, you might place a towel in your sink during a daily cleaning. (This action would cushion dentures from falls.) Another idea is to store dentures securely in a case. That way, roughhousing pets or children won't break your artificial teeth.
Remove Dentures When You Sleep
You shouldn’t wear dentures to bed, no matter how lifelike they are. The better action is to remove them before you sleep. Ideally, you could place them in a soaking solution overnight.
You see, constant denture use damages your health. It restricts gum circulation and irritates your various mouth tissues. This habit also increases your tongue’s plaque levels, thus raising your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Wearing dentures overnight can even lead to pneumonia.
Notice Changes
After you start wearing dentures, watch for any changes in them or your mouth. These shifts might cause problems that need a dentist’s help. Conditions you might notice include mouth sores, gum irritation, and infections.
You’ll especially need a dentist if your dentures fit poorly or get damaged. After all, trying to fix them yourself will make things worse. Meanwhile, a qualified dentist will refit or replace the prosthetics.
All-on-4 Dentures
Since they aren’t removable, caring for All-on-4 dentures involves different methods. These include the following:
-
Twice-Daily Brushing – Brush your dentures twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste, as other kinds will damage the prosthetics. (Getting a sulcus brush is also a good idea, as it would clean between the restoration and the gums.)
-
Once-Daily Flossing – Floss your dentures once a day. If necessary, you can use floss threaders to reach beneath your denture. You might also try a water flosser.
-
Regular Mouth Rinses – To prevent tartar growth, rinse your mouth with fluoridated mouthwash daily.