Dentures are an investment that can provide you with returns in the form of more confident smiles, increased chewing power, and other benefits. They should serve you well for around 5 – 7 years. However, they can only live up to their potential if you take good care of them. How can you make sure your prosthetic stays in good shape? Here are some practical tips:
Clean Your Dentures Every Day
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be kept clean if they are going to function well. Gently brush your prosthetic with a soft brush and a cleansing agent (most commercial toothpastes are too harsh for dentures). Be sure to clean the prosthetic’s underside as well as all of the teeth. It is also helpful to regularly soak your dentures in a deep-cleaning solution.
Handle Your Dentures Carefully
If you accidentally drop your dentures on a hard surface, they could break. To protect them, only take them out of your mouth when you are standing over a soft surface, such as a bowl (or sink) full of water or a folded towel. When you are not wearing them, store them in a glass of water or cleansing solution. Make sure they are not anyplace where a curious pet or small child could accidentally knock them onto the floor.
Do Not Sleep While Wearing Your Dentures
You should remove your dentures every night before you go to sleep and not wear them again until morning. Removing your denture allows you to thoroughly clean your mouth, and it gives your gums a chance to breathe and rest.
Be Cautious When You Eat
Dentures can enable you to consume a wide variety of foods, but caution is in order. Dentures do not have the same chewing power as natural teeth, so you need to be careful when consuming tough or chewy foods. Cut food into small pieces and move it directly to your back teeth. Distribute the food evenly on both sides of your mouth. Your good habits will protect your gums and help to keep your denture stable.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
At your routine dental appointments, your dentist can inspect your denture to look for signs of damage. They can also professionally clean it so it stays as fresh as possible. Periodically, they may recommend that you get your denture relined (adjusted) so it continues to fit well.
Caring for dentures is not complicated or time consuming. Use the above tips to keep your new smile looking and feeling great!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Scott Wehrkamp and Mauri Heesch are proud to provide a broad range of dental services for patients at Neighborhood Dental. They offer dentures, denture maintenance services, and more. If you have questions about tooth replacement or how to care for your new teeth, our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact our Brandon, SD, office at 605-582-6522.