Dentures have come a long way. Dr. Hechtman, Walled Lake Dentist serving the Lakes Area, MI uses high-quality materials designed for an optimal fit. Your new dentures will be a custom fit, restoring your confidence and oral function!
In one of our previous posts, we talked about dentures and if they were right for you. This month, we have some tips on how to maintain your dentures, your smile and your health.
Daily Brushing
Good oral health practice includes twice daily brushing. This is the same for dentures!
Dentures can get stained, accumulate tartar and grow bacteria.
This can lead to an oral fungal infection. It’s important to rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any food particles. Make sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush and scrub gently. Avoid bleaching agents because they can do damage.
Daily Soaking
Along with brushing, it’s important to soak your dentures in a nonabrasive denture cleanser. This should be done daily after you brush to help remove food, bacteria and plaque that may have been missed with brushing. Soaking time varies with the type of cleanser you use. It is important that you do not use the cleanser inside your mouth and that you thoroughly rinse your dentures before putting them back into your mouth. Daily soaking also helps kill germs that may cause bad breath!
Give your mouth a break
It is recommended that you take your dentures out for 6-8 hours a day. Because dentures may irritate or cause a bit of soreness throughout the day, the tissues in your mouth need to heal. Taking your dentures out at night while you sleep is a great time to give your mouth a break. To help your dentures keep their shape and prevent them from drying out, store them in warm water and always keep a towel under them when handling. The towel will cushion their fall and keep them from breaking in case you drop them!
Cut your food
There is always an adjustment period with anything new in your mouth, including dentures. Basic oral functions such as chewing may need some tweaking. Cutting your food into small pieces is can help. This allows for better chewing and digestion even with natural teeth.
Chewing on both sides of your mouth is important to keeping your dentures in place. Too much chewing on one side risks dislodging. Eating food in smaller pieces will help with this.
It goes without saying that regular dental checkups are a must, for every mouth and smile. With dentures, it is important for your dentist to check their fit and quality on a regular basis. A dental check up also keeps bacteria and infections at bay. Our dental office in Walled Lake, MI offers a personalized experience which includes a full range of dental services. Let us help you maintain your smile and your health. Call us today to schedule a checkup!