Tooth loss can negatively impact your life in several ways. You might suffer malnutrition if you can’t eat a well-balanced diet, for example, or could develop a lisp or other challenges speaking. You might even find that you avoid social interactions if you’re overly self-conscious about the state of your smile.
Thankfully, your dentist can rebuild your grin with dentures. These prosthetics are the tried-and-true method for replacing teeth because of the many benefits they provide. With them in place, you’ll be able to eat and converse more easily, so you don’t have to worry as much about what others think of you. To keep making the most of them, however, it’s important to care for your dentures properly. Keep reading to learn 3 tips that can keep them in excellent condition so they can continue to serve you.
Tip #1: Brush Them Twice Daily
Even if you have no natural teeth remaining, maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine is essential. Bacteria can cling to your artificial teeth just like your real ones, potentially leading to gum disease that can impact your jawbone. It’s important to remove your dentures twice daily to thoroughly brush and floss them. Remember, standard toothpaste can abrade the materials, so opt for a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap or a special cleanser to gently brush away food particles, germs, and any leftover adhesive if you use it. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial to ensure your oral health is in top shape.
Tip #2: Soak Them at Night
Although it can take about a month to adjust to your restoration, once you’re used to having it in your mouth, you might even start to forget it’s there. That might be bad news when you’re getting ready for bed at night. It’s tempting to simply slip into bed and fall asleep with your dentures still in your mouth, but you might regret it if you do. Your gums need a break from the constant pressure of supporting them to avoid developing sores, and your prosthetics will need to be washed after a long day. Leaving them to soak in a glass of cool water or a cleaning solution helps them retain their shape and kills off up to 99% of unwanted particles.
Tip #3: Keep Your Mouth Clean
You don’t want to go through the extra effort of purifying your restoration just to contaminate it by putting it into a germy mouth. When you take them out, it’s a good idea to also scrub your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or simply rub them down with a piece of folded gauze or a clean washcloth. It’s a simple but effective way to prevent potential dental problems.
Now that you know more about how to keep your dentures looking and feeling great, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape for years to come!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Chicago, you and your family benefit from several highly skilled dentists who offer a full array of services under one roof, including dentures. Children and adults are all welcome, and their friendly staff go above and beyond to help you feel relaxed during your appointment. They’ll take the time to get to know your unique needs and concerns so they can customize a treatment plan just for you. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology, like digital imaging, to enhance your comfort and increase the accuracy of results. If you’re worried about the state of your dentures, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (773) 646-6262.