4 Steps To Caring For Your Dentures
Roughly 15 percent of adults who are missing teeth have dentures, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. If you're in that group, understanding how to care for your dental device is absolutely essential. Even though they're not real teeth, prosthetic ones require just as much TLC. What do you need to know when it comes to denture care? Check out these easy to follow tips that will help keep your device clean and your mouth healthy.
Brush Daily
You would brush your natural teeth every day, right? So why stop when you have dentures? Unlike regular teeth brushing practices, you'll need to remove your device before you clean it. After taking your teeth out, gently brush with a nonabrasive denture cleanser. This gets the food particles and any plaque buildup off of the teeth. If there's any adhesive stuck to the bottom of the device, use your brush to gently clean that away too. Along with brushing, drop the prosthetic in a denture soak (follow the manufacturer's directions, as the exact times vary by product).
Overnight Soak
A gentle cleansing soak isn't the only one your dentures need. When you take your teeth out at the end of the day, put them into an overnight soak. Aside from keeping them clean, the soak helps your dentures to maintain their moisture throughout the night (when you're not wearing them).
Clean Your Mouth
Your dentures aren't the only things in your mouth that you need to keep clean. Don't forget about your gums, the insides of your cheeks and your tongue. After taking your dental device out, spend some time clean the inside of your mouth. Use a soft toothbrush to cleanse your tongue, palate (the top part of your mouth) and gums.
Take Care and Caution
Dentures are delicate. While that doesn't mean they'll break on their own, a fall from the sink to the floor might mean that they chip. Use care when handling your dentures. Never toss them into a cup to store them, even if it's filled with water or soak. Place a soft towel on the bathroom counter (or other surface) before taking the devices out to clean them. The soft towel will cushion your dentures as you brush or help to prevent a serious break in the event that you drop them.
Caring for your dentures is the first step to making sure that your mouth is healthy. Even though they aren't permanent fixtures in your mouth, they still need plenty of attention. With proper brushing (of both the dentures and your mouth), soaking and a gentle touch, your device will keep your smile full and bright. Talk with your dentist if you have additional questions.
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