If you have dentures, you understand the power and confidence dentures can give with just one smile. But only if your dentures are clean, fit right and are well taken care of. Here are some things not to do with your dentures:
A.) Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
B.) Toothpastes advertised as whitening pastes are especially abrasive and generally should be avoided on dentures.
Do not use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color. Don’t soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and corrode the metal.
C.) Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.
Now that you know what not to do, here’s seven golden rules to keep your dentures clean.
Remove and rinse dentures after eating.
Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so the dentures won’t break if you drop them.
Clean your mouth after removing your dentures.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth (palate).
Brush your dentures at least daily.
Gently clean your dentures daily by soaking and brushing with a nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Do not use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
Don’t worry about mouth changes
As your mouth gets used to your dentures, you can sometimes produce more saliva than usual. Sometimes drooling when unexpected. Over time this will get less and less so it’s nothing to worry about.
Nourish the rest of your body.
Since dentures may make it difficult or even painful to bite and chew fresh fruits and vegetables, there’s a risk you’re missing out on essential nutrients. Make sure you’re eating a well-balanced diet. Research suggests that proper nutrition slows the progress of gum disease, so a healthier diet could even mean a healthier mouth.
Take proper care of dentures when not wearing them.
Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they do not dry out or lose their shape. When not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. However, if the denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution. Your dentist can recommend the best methods for caring for your particular denture. Dentures should never be placed in hot water, which can cause them to warp.
Schedule regular dental checkups.
Last but not least, most people with dentures think that after you get fitted for and finally start using your dentures, that’s it. But it’s important to still go back for regular dental checkups because your dentist can help ensure a proper fit or refit your dentures to prevent slippage and discomfort. Your dentist can also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it’s healthy.
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