When you’re missing natural teeth, dentures are a less-invasive, simpler solution than dental implants. Once your dentist gives you a pair, follow their maintenance guidelines to avoid damaging the prosthesis or injuring your mouth. Below are four easy-to-remember tips about caring for artificial teeth.

Do:

Keep them clean.

Dirty dentures allow bacteria to multiply in your mouth, causing bad breath. They also trap germs against your gums and any remaining natural teeth, causing irritation, infection, and decay. Rinse them under warm water after eating, and soak them nightly in a specially designed cleanser. Periodically inspect them for visible pieces of food or residue and use a soft toothbrush to remove particles.

Handle with care.

Artificial teeth can be more fragile than you’d suspect, leading to cracks and missing teeth, so take precautions when handling them. If you clean them over a counter, floor, or sink, put padding down so that they don’t hit a hard surface if you drop them. Keep them out of the hands of children, and minimize the risk of them falling or being knocked over when not in use.

Don’t:

Let them dry out.

When you aren’t wearing the teeth, keep them soaking in water or a denture solution. Left out too long, they’ll dry out and become brittle, making them easier to crack, split, or otherwise damage. If you notice your teeth have dried, keep them submerged in a solution; if it doesn’t help, contact your dentist for advice.

Ignore signs of damage.

Look over your teeth every couple of weeks to check for stains, cracks, chips, and breaks. Damaged dentures trap bacteria and have sharp edges that can cut or irritate the inside of your mouth. Always report breaks to your dental office. If you notice sore spots appearing in your mouth, have the artificial teeth checked for damage.

When you need quality dentures, contact Arrow Dental Care in Ellisville and St. Peters, MO. They bring over a decade of experience to your care, whether you need dental implants, general cleaning, emergency oral surgery, or artificial teeth repairs. On top of their competitive prices, they offer financing for qualifying patients. Read about their services online, and call (636) 441-6999 today to schedule a consultation.