5 Denture Care Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

If you are a denture wearer due to losing one or multiple permanent teeth, it is important to know how to properly clean them. Whether you have a partial plate or a full set of dentures, not only will the tips provided keep your mouth healthy but also make the fit more comfortable. Anyone with replacement teeth should know exactly what to do. This will make wearing dentures a far more positive experience.

The golden rules of denture care

While some of the tips might seem obvious, others could surprise people who wear dentures. Today, laboratories make dentures from a different type of plastic than years before. For that reason, they look and function more naturally. However, to keep them that way, dental professionals recommend that wearers follow some steps while avoiding others.

1. Take a break

The one mistake that many denture wearers make is not taking them out to allow the mouth to rest. Even with improved materials and custom fits, people should never go to bed with their dentures still in place. Now, if someone has a job that requires them to work around the clock, they should at a minimum, soak the replacement teeth between six and eight hours. That will help to remove plaque, tartar, bacteria and stains.

2. Be gentle

Although today’s dentures are relatively tough, it is still important for people to handle them carefully. Even when made well, replacement teeth can break. If that happens, the wearer would have to pay for a new set and go without them until ready. A few pointers include not using any type of hard-bristled brush or harsh cleaner. Also, people need to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Dentists suggest that individuals clean them over a soft towel as well.

3. Daily cleaning

Daily cleaning is essential. These are not a person’s natural teeth, but that is no excuse for not taking proper care of them. Just like permanent teeth, dentures can become stained, end up with tartar on them and even harbor bacteria. If not cleaned daily, an individual could end up with anything from slight irritation to a raging infection.

4. Changes in fit

Although not common, some people experience a change in the way their dentures fit. Typically, a denture wearer would begin to notice discomfort. If not taken care of, a bad fit could lead to pain, sores and an infection. Fortunately, a dentist can make the necessary adjustment without a lot of effort. For any concern, someone who wears dentures needs to make an appointment right away instead of waiting.

5. Right cleaning materials

A denture wearer can purchase a product formulated specifically for cleaning. However, they can also use plain water for dentures with metal clasps or a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water for other types. Another option is a mild dishwashing detergent or hand soap. The goal is to keep the dentures clean but also prevent them from drying out.

Enjoy teeth that look and feel natural

If your dentist says you make a good candidate for dentures, you should feel excited. Remember, laboratories make the dentures that people wear today completely different than even a few years ago. For that reason, you will not experience some of the earlier problems. As a denture wearer, you can smile and eat most of the foods you love.

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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