If you wear a full set of dentures, you might think that your need for dental care is over. That couldn't be further from the truth. The fact is that even though you wear dentures, you still need to practice proper dental hygiene—for your mouth and your dentures. Without proper dental hygiene, you could develop mouth sores and oral infections. Here are three things you need to do if you wear dentures.
Keep Your Dentures Moist
Dentures were designed to stay moist. If you allow your dentures to dry out, you could be asking for trouble later on. When dentures dry out, they can become brittle, which could cause them to break. Never leave your dentures out on the counter, especially for extended periods of time. When you go to bed at night, place your dentures in a small container of water or denture cleansing solution. Avoid hot water though. The heat can cause your dentures to warp. If that happens, they won't fit properly, which could lead to mouth pain.
Clean Your Dentures
Your dentures have lots of little crevices that can harbor germs and bacteria. Unfortunately, those germs and bacteria can lead to denture odors if they're not properly cleaned. Not only that, but dentures can develop plaque too. That means you could be left with unsightly plaque deposits on the surface of your dentures. To keep your dentures clean and odor-free, you should clean them at least twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Using a denture brush to clean your dentures will remove plaque deposits, odor, and food particles.
Be Kind to Your Mouth
Even if you don't have teeth, you still need to care for your mouth. To keep your mouth clean and healthy, you should brush your gums and tongue at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove bacteria, and to stimulate the circulation inside your mouth. It's also a good idea to use your toothbrush to clean the roof of your mouth, as well. If you notice any sores, or tender spots in your mouth while brushing, be sure to contact your dentist. Your dentures might need to be adjusted.
If you wear dentures, you still need to practice proper dental hygiene. The tips provided here will help keep your mouth and your dentures clean and fresh. Be sure to continue with your semi-annual dental checkups (with dentists like Richard M Holmes DMD PA).
Share13 September 2016
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!