You depend on your pearly whites to complete basic daily tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling. When they go missing, your quality of life can suffer. Fortunately, your dentist can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality with dentures. Whether you need a full or partial set, these prosthetics give you back your ability to mash up your food sufficiently and enunciate clearly. This can boost your confidence, so you look and feel your best.
It’s important to care for your dentures properly to continue making the most of them. With that in mind, keep reading for 3 tips to maintain them!
Tip #1: Rinse After Meals
Even if you have no natural teeth remaining, you still must rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease. These unwanted germs thrive in the spaces between your dentures and gums, so you’ll have to take extra precautions to clean them. One easy way to do this is to remove and rinse them after eating or drinking. That way, leftover bits of food and particles are immediately washed off, so they don’t have a chance to cause problems.
Remember to avoid overly hot water because it can warp the acrylic and your prosthetics won’t fit correctly.
Tip #2: Brush Them Daily
You should also thoroughly scrub your dentures twice daily. Although it may be tempting to brush them while they’re in your mouth, they won’t be thoroughly cleaned because you can’t reach all the surfaces this way. Instead, take them out to gently scour them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or special denture cleanser. Standard toothpaste can be abrasive and so should be avoided.
Be sure to get into all the crevices to remove any plaque buildup and leftover adhesive, if you use any.
Tip #3: Soak Them at Night
Many patients wonder whether it’s safe to sleep with dentures in their mouths. While it may be okay to do occasionally, it’s wiser to remove them to let them soak. Your mouth tends to dry out at night which allows bacteria to flourish. Plus, your gums could develop sores if you don’t give them a break.
Leaving your dentures in a glass of water or cleaning solution while you snooze gives your mouth a well-deserved rest. Plus, it can kill up to 99% of the germs on your artificial teeth to prevent plaque buildup. Keeping them moist also retains their shape so they’re more likely to form a firm bond when you wear them.
Keeping your prosthetic teeth in good condition is a great way to ensure that you can enjoy the many benefits they provide for years to come!
About the Practice
At DentaCrafters PLLC, patients benefit from two dentists who offer a wide range of services to meet all your needs under one roof. With decades of combined experience, they’re adept at handling everything from preventative care to more complex procedures. They use state-of-the-art technology, including digital impressions, to enhance patient comfort and provide accurate results. They can fit you with beautiful, lifelike restorations intended to last. If you’re missing teeth and are interested in dentures, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (703) 241-5775.