Dentures are a wonderful, affordable option to restore your smile and improve speech and chewing after teeth have been lost. While they look like normal teeth, there is some unique care required to keep them comfortable and functional for many years. Follow these suggestions along with any instructions from your dentist.

Do:

Clean them carefully.

Rinse your dentures in warm water after eating and each time before putting them back in your mouth. Gently brush them daily to remove bacteria and odors, and soak them every night in a dentist-recommended solution. This prevents sores and allows your gums and tissues to recover, ideally for at least six hours.

Worry about oral care.

Even if you don’t have any natural teeth, your mouth can still harbor bacteria and debris. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate to stimulate blood flow and prevent oral infections.

Keep regular checkups.

It may be easy to think you don’t need to see your dentist as much anymore, but regular checkups are still vital for your oral health. Your dentist will check the fit and make adjustments to prevent mouth sores caused by slipping and pressure points. 

Many medications cause xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, which can have serious effects on your gums and tissues. Your dentist will recommend products to minimize the discomfort and pains of dry mouth. They’ll also regularly check for signs of oral cancer, blocked salivary glands, and thrush.

Don’t:

Be aggressive.

The prosthetic is made of acrylic that, if scratched, will attract more bacteria. Avoid sharp, abrasive brushes or picks. Don’t use harsh chemicals or hot water, as these can distort the contour. Because they won’t whiten, don’t use bleach or peroxide when soaking them.

Chew too hard.

Especially when you’re first getting used to them, stick to a relatively soft diet. It will take some practice using force to bite down on large bites of food. However, no matter how much practice you’ve had, avoid biting hard foods like nuts or candy. Your dentures can crack and break with enough force.

Dry them out.

Dentures are designed to stay moist. Whenever they’re not in use, they should be soaking in a solution or at least wrapped in a moist cloth. This helps keep them from getting brittle and feeling scratchy on your gums.

 

With regular care at home and in the dental office, your dentures are made to last. At Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to have complete confidence in your smile. They’re always accepting new patients and will work with your insurance to keep your dental work as affordable as possible. See their services online and call (513) 521-8900 to schedule a free consultation.