Dentures are a way for people who have lost some of their teeth to get back the smile that they’ve lost, giving people back confidence and stability that they may have lost a long time ago.
However, like with anything worthwhile, you have to care for your prosthetic if you want them to work for you. Here are three habits worth forming if you currently have dentures.
Take Them Out Before Bed
As good as your dentures are, you have to give your gums a rest at a certain point. One of the easiest ways to do that is to make it a habit to take your dentures out to soak each night.
By leaving your prosthetics to soak in denture cleaning solution you not only give your mouth a break, but you also thoroughly disinfect them as you sleep each night. If you leave your prosthetic in each night you may find that you develop bad breath as a result of bacterial buildup.
Clean Them Often
In a similar vein, you also need to hand-clean your dentures often. They may look completely smooth, but there are actually small pores all over them that can easily become footholds for bacteria. While soaking your dentures overnight is helpful, that isn’t enough on its own.
You should brush your dentures often, ideally whenever you take them out. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (without any toothpaste) to remove plaque buildup without wearing down the acrylic of your dentures.
See Your Dentist Often
It’s recommended that everyone see their dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups or cleanings, but if you have dentures, those visits are particularly important. As you may know, it’s common for people who have dentures to experience bone loss, which can make your dentures fit much more loosely than you may like.
By seeing your dentist often, they can check on the rate of bone loss and the integrity of your dentures, meaning that you can make repairs or reline the dentures as needed.
About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran says every patient has a story to tell, and no matter what brings you to his office, he’ll take the time to hear yours. By understanding all of his patients as individuals, he can customize his care to their unique needs. Dr. Ranjbaran received his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry and completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of New Mexico.
If you have any questions about caring for your dentures, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (505) 896-9399.