Through the science of modern prosthetic creation, patients can wear dentures to restore their talking and chewing abilities. However, they are challenging to take care of, especially if you are used to a low-maintenance routine. Below are a few essential tips about maintaining this dental prosthetic.

How to Care for Dentures

1. Rinse After Eating

While dentures are immune to decay because they are an artificial material, they can stain from the pigments in the foods and beverages you consume. Always rinse them off after eating to preventing staining.

2. Soak Them Overnight

Dentures can warp or bend if they dry out, which is why you should store them in water or an antiseptic solution overnight. Never leave them out to dry. Instead, keep them in your mouth or a soaking solution. Denture solutions sanitize the prosthetic, eliminating odor-causing bacteria that cause bad breath.

3. Use Special Dental Care Products

Many kinds of toothpaste contain abrasives like baking soda. While these can help to polish natural teeth, they are rough on prosthetic materials, creating microscopic scratches that harbor bacteria and discoloration. When you brush and floss your dentures, only use approved products. Talk with your dentist about which products are safe for your particular set of prosthetics, and how to clean them without harm.

Additionally, you should brush your gums and remove any adhesive after removing the prosthetic. Use a soft toothbrush to clean any natural teeth and gauze for your tongue and cheeks. This eliminates and bacteria that could linger and cause issues.

Whether you are new to dentures and need help or you are concerned about other dental issues, turn to Patrick T. Hunter, DDS in Dayton, OH. For more than 14 years, this second-generation dentist has been helping his clients to enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles by using state-of-the-art dental practices, such as CAD/CAM technology. To find out more about how he can help, visit his website or call (937) 890-8957.