Full or partial dentures are a great solution for older adults or those who have lost several teeth to illness or injury. They restore your ability to speak clearly, chew solid foods, and smile proudly. The staff at Kimberling City Dental Center offer denture wearers in Southern Missouri the following do’s and don’ts for proper care.

Do:

Practice good oral hygiene.

Just like real teeth, dentures need care, and your mouth and gums still need your attention, too. Brush dentures when they are out of your mouth with a soft brush and denture toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association®. Gently brush your mouth, gums, and tongue twice daily to keep bacteria away and stimulate blood flow. If you have remaining natural teeth, brush and floss them as well.

Soak them overnight.

Leaving dentures in place too long leads to pain, swelling, and a build-up of bacteria that can cause infections and mouth sores. Soak dentures at night in a solution designed specifically for this purpose. Change the solution daily. Dentures should never be left to dry completely, as they will lose their shape and no longer fit your gums. 

Don’t:

Put hard or sharp objects in the mouth.

While dentures are long-lasting and durable, they don’t have sensation as natural teeth do. You could damage the surface by chewing on toothpicks, ice, hard candy, or other hard or sticky substances. Likewise, never use your teeth as a tool to straighten wires or bottles. Choose a soft bristle brush for cleaning dentures, and gums.

Neglect your dental appointments.

The fit of your dentures may change over time as the soft tissue in your mouth changes. Your dentist will examine the health of your gums and check for trouble areas. Ill-fitting dentures can make it hard to speak clearly and chew. They can also become uncomfortable to wear. 

Now that you know the proper way to care for your dentures, schedule an appointment with a dentist who will keep them shiny and fitting snugly. Kimberling City Dental Center offers dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, cleanings, and more. Call 417-739-4965 to make an appointment or go to their Facebook page to see recent articles and reviews.