If you have lost teeth, dentures are one of the best solutions to regain a complete smile. They are customized for your unique smile. Plus, with modern advancements, they are more lifelike than ever. However, they do require some maintenance and special care. That’s why we wanted to review a few tips on caring for your dentures.
- Clean them regularly.
Much like your natural teeth, you want to clean your dentures at least twice daily. Use the appropriate dentures cleaning solution and brush your dentures with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Ideally, you want to do this after every meal. However, if you can’t, at least rinse them thoroughly. Not only is it good for your dentures, but it’s also good for your mouth and gums.
- Remove them at night.
You want to give your gums a break from wearing dentures for at least six to eight hours a day. Most people can that that by taking them off before going to bed. You should soak them in water or a dentures cleaning solution. Keeping your dentures moist is how they maintain their shape. Just make sure you rinse them thoroughly in the morning before putting them in your mouth.
- Skip overly chewy or tough-to-chew foods.
While dentures have come a long way, you still need to take caution with chewing certain foods. Overly chewy foods like steak or ribs or crunchy foods like nuts or almonds can damage your dentures. So, avoid those foods as much as possible. However, if you don’t like the idea of having to limit your food choices, consider dental implants. They give you back your natural bite, so you don’t have to avoid the foods you love.
- Protect your oral health.
To ensure that your dentures stay in place and fit properly, you must take care of your gum health. Use a gentle cloth or soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your gums and remove any lingering adhesive. You also should rinse your mouth with a fluoride-based mouth rinse. If you have any remaining teeth and wear partial dentures, you want to take care of the ones you have left with regular brushing and flossing routines.
- Visit us regularly for checkups.
One of the best things you can do when caring for your dentures is visit us for a checkup. We’ll make any necessary adjustments and check that your dentures fit properly. We’ll professionally clean them and check that your gum health and any remaining teeth are healthy. If you have questions about implants and whether they are right for you, your checkups are a great time to ask about them. We’ll discuss what you can expect and review the entire process with you.
If you have specific questions about caring for your dentures, give us a call for an appointment. Schedule an appointment at Willes Dental by calling 760-576-2214 for our Encinitas, CA office or 760-477-0338 for our Escondido, CA location. You also can contact us online.
