While dentures don’t decay or get infected, don’t be fooled. These prosthetics need regular maintenance to work; otherwise, they’ll cause major problems for your smile. Given that fact, you may wonder: What exactly does taking care of dentures involve? Your Harker Heights dentist is here to answer this question, so there’s no need to feel worried. Just keep reading to learn how to care for your dentures in the coming days and years!
Remove & Rinse After Eating
Right after a meal, you shouldn’t just leave your dentures in your mouth. Remove and rinse them once you’ve finished eating something.
The fact is that dentures pick up food debris over time. Left unchecked, these “leftovers” can get wedged between your prosthetics and inflame or infect your gums. The best way to avoid that outcome is to rinse your restorations in a sink after eating. By doing so, you’d remove the food particles that could irritate your mouth’s tissues.
Remember to Brush Daily
You’ll need more than post-meal rinses to keep your dentures clean. That being the case, remember to brush your restorations at least once daily.
It isn’t a hard task to brush your dentures properly. After removing them from your mouth, you just need a soft-bristled toothbrush, a non-abrasive cleanser, and gentle strokes. Just ensure you don’t apply any toothpaste; its ingredients damage denture materials. Also, clean the grooves that fit against your gums if you use denture adhesive often.
Handle Your Dentures Carefully
Today’s dentures are pretty durable, but even they can break or fracture. You’ll need to handle them carefully to ensure they last a long time.
There are various steps you could take to protect your dentures. For example, place a folded towel in your sink whenever you clean them; it protects the prosthetics from falls. You might also want to store them securely so kids or pets can’t reach them. Of course, you could also put dentures in a sturdy case that keeps them safe.
See Your Dentist Often
It’s just not possible to protect dentures without a bit of help. So, please see your dentist for regular checkups that assess your prosthetics.
Don’t forget that dentists are true experts in oral appliances. Thanks to their training and education, they can tell whether your dentures are ill-fitting, causing health issues, and more. They could then adjust the prosthetics or (if necessary) provide replacements.
Even if it gets tedious, taking care of dentures is worthwhile. Remember that and the tips above as you defend your full smile.
About the Practice
Market Heights Family Dental is based in Harker Heights, TX. Led by Drs. Tochterman and Pundt, our practice strives to heal and enhance smiles with quality dentistry. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments tailored to you, ensuring the best results possible. Our office also provides tooth replacements like dentures and dental implants. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (254)-699-3565.