While it may seem easier to maintain your oral health with fewer teeth, this is not always the case. Patients who have lost multiple teeth and have prosthetic teeth as a replacement also have important demands for oral hygiene. In fact, if dentures are used, there are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure your mouth and gums stay healthy enough to support your prosthetic teeth.
Having dentures means you said goodbye to your natural teeth. But don’t forget you still have your gums! A traditional denture involves either an upper or lower arch of prosthetic teeth that rest along the gum line and is held in place by a special adhesive cream. These are dentures that can (and should) be removed each night. Since your gums are the foundation for your dentures, it is imperative that you keep them in good condition. While your dentures may not be able to suffer disease or decay, they can certainly carry bacteria that can sabotage the health of your gums. Gum disease can quickly disturb the way your dentures fit as well as threaten the health of your entire body if it is not treated. Therefore, it becomes critical that you follow the proper steps each day to keep your dentures and mouth clean.
Your Nighttime Denture Routine
Caring for your dentures may not be optional, but the process isn’t difficult. Follow these three easy steps each night to ensure your dentures stay clean and your mouth stays happy and healthy.
#1 Remove Your Dentures. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is going to bed with your dentures. Not only do your gums and soft tissues need a break while you sleep, but you’ll miss the chance to clean your dentures the way they need after a day’s use.
#2 Clean and Soak Your Dentures. The next step is important and involves eliminating the bacteria and food debris that has accumulated on your dentures throughout the day. To do this, simply soak your dentures in lukewarm (not hot) water with a special denture cleaning tablet (such as effervescent). It is important to practice gentle cleaning methods on your prosthetic teeth, but use products that are strong enough to remove stains and food debris. In addition to soaking, many patients also use a soft tooth-brush and gentle cleanser to clean their dentures. Avoid toothpaste on your dentures, as this can be too abrasive for your prosthetic teeth.
#3 Clean Your Mouth. Your dentures aren’t the only thing that needs daily cleaning. It is important that you also tend to the soft tissues inside your mouth after your dentures are removed. Use a wet washcloth and give your gums a thorough wipe down. You’ll be removing bacteria, stuck food particles and adhesive cream so that your gums can stay free of infection and irritation. A non-alcoholic mouth rinse is also suggested to further kill bacteria and avoid that dreaded denture breath. Make sure you also clean your tongue each night!
Contact a Denture Dentist
Need more help on caring for your dentures? Call West Hill Family Dental. We offer a full menu of restorative treatments, including traditional dentures and implant supported dentures for your convenience.
Posted on behalf of West Hill Family Dental