Dentures can help you reclaim your oral function and improve your appearance after tooth loss. It’s important to note, though, that living with dentures does require some adjustment. It takes a few weeks for most patients to get used to their new teeth. Following are useful tips to help you get the most out of your dentures.
Clean Your Dentures Regularly
Keeping your dentures clean can protect your oral health and prevent your new teeth from staining. Dentures, like teeth and gums, can harbor bacteria. Every evening, you should brush your dentures with a denture brush. Then, they should soak overnight. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before reinserting them into your mouth the next day.
Continue to Brush
Although you don’t have teeth to brush, it doesn’t mean you should throw out your toothpaste. Using a toothbrush and ADA-accepted toothpaste, gently brush your gums, your tongue, and the linings of your cheeks two times a day. This will help control oral bacteria and combat bad breath.
Be Careful Handling Your Dentures
Dentures are fragile – especially if they drop on the floor or hit a hard surface. When taking your dentures out of your mouth, be sure to do so with great care. Broken dentures will need to be repaired or replaced.
We recommend laying a plush towel over your sink when you take them out of your mouth. This gives them a soft place to fall if they happen to slip from your hands.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water does more than just hydrate your body; it hydrates your mouth. Keeping oral tissue moist is important for reducing your risks for gum disease. If you take medications or have health conditions that cause dry mouth, adequate water consumption is even more important.
We encourage our patients to drink at least 64 ounces every day.
Wearing dentures can transform your life. If you have questions about your tooth replacement options, call Dakota Prosthodontics and Implant Center to reserve a consultation with our prosthodontist.
