Below are some simple, general tips from our Ooltewah dentist to keep your dentures, either complete or partial dentures, in good shape.When you visit with Dr. Tedford, he will make recommendations on the best denture solutions for you.
1. Take Your Dentures Out Daily.
If possible, take your dentures out while you sleep. If this is not a good option for you, take them out for 6 to 8 hours a day during another time period. This will give your mouth tissues time to recover.
2. Help Retain Your Dentures Shape
Place your dentures in warm water (or a denture cleanser solution), when they are not being worn, to help retain the denture's shape, remain pliable and keeps it from drying out. Dentures should never be placed in hot water, which could cause them to warp.
3. Clean Your Dentures Daily
Like natural teeth, dentures must be cleaned daily to remove food particles, tartar and bacteria, and to help prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained.
Commercial denture cleansers for removable dentures come as tablets, creams, pastes, gels and solutions. The first step in cleaning dentures is to rinse away loose food particles and remove any denture adhesive.
Denture cleanser tablets are dropped into warm water to create an effervescent solution. Dentures are removed from the mouth and placed in the solution. Soaking dentures in the cleaning solution helps kill germs that can cause odor. The amount of time dentures should be soaked—from a few minutes to overnight—depends on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Denture cleansing creams, pastes or gels are brushed on the denture after it is removed from the mouth and then rinsed off, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Denture cleansers should not be used while dentures are still in the mouth.
Dentures can also be cleaned with toothpaste or soap—mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid—warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush. However, denture wearers should never use bleach or powdered household cleansers, which can be abrasive, for cleaning their appliance as this may damage the denture.
4. Find Out if You Need Denture Adhesives
A film of saliva typically helps hold dentures in place. Denture adhesives may be used if the salivary glands do not produce a sufficient amount of saliva. Denture adhesives are not, however, a remedy for ill-fitting dentures. A denture that fits poorly (i.e., feels loose or causes discomfort) may need to be relined or replaced as it can contribute to the development of mouth sores.
Denture adhesives, also called denture adherents, are creams, powders, wafers or strips that are used to hold dentures firmly in place. The adhesive also helps form a seal that keeps food particles from sticking between the dentures and gums. Adhesive is applied to clean dentures, which are then positioned in the mouth and held in place for a few seconds, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
During denture cleaning, adhesive should be removed with gentle scrubbing to prevent contamination.
5. Look After Your Whole Mouth
You still need to care for your gums, even with complete dentures. When you take out your dentures, give your mouth a good rinse and then massage your gums with a washcloth or a soft toothbrush. If you have partial dentures, you still need to properly brush and floss your regular teeth every day.
6. See Your Dentist
You still need to see your dentist at least once a year. Dr, Tedford will examine your oral tissues for changes and for sores that might become cancerous and he will also provide advice as to oral hygiene and denture care.
7. Watch for Changes in Fit
If your dentures aren’t fitting properly or don’t feel right, please check in with Dr. Tedford, your Ooltewah Dentist. He may be able to adjust your dentures
or recommend a solution. The gums and bones in our mouths change over time, which can lead to an improper denture fit. Poorly fitting dentures can cause problems like sores, pain and burning and may be a sign of periodontal disease.
8. Nourish Your Body
Be sure to be eating a balanced diet. Research suggests that proper nutrition slows the progress of gum disease, so a healthier diet could even mean a healthier mouth.
9. Use ADA Approved Products
A company earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance by producing scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of its product, which the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs carefully evaluates according to objective requirements.
Look for the ADA Seal—your assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and efficacy by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.
For more information, please contact our dental office in Ooltewah TN at (423) 238-8887.