I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
If you are missing some or all of your teeth, your dentist may recommend dentures as a solution. Removable dentures are a noninvasive method to restore your teeth. They are false teeth you can wear to help you smile, chew, and speak. You may want to hold them in place with dental adhesive to give them a more comfortable, stable grip in your mouth. If you've recently gotten dentures, you may not yet know the best method to care for them. Here are four tips to help you maintain your dentures:
1. Clean your dentures regularly.
Plaque is a sticky substance that can accumulate on your teeth when sugars mix with your saliva. You may not know that plaque can also collect on your dentures. Fortunately, you will use the same method to remove plaque from your dentures as you would when cleaning your natural teeth. Remove your dentures and brush them carefully with a soft-bristled denture brush and water. Rinse them well before placing them back in your mouth.
2. Soak your dentures at least once a week.
Brushing your dentures takes care of daily maintenance, but if you'd like to keep your dentures in top shape, you should soak them in denture cleaner at least once a week. Denture cleaner comes in an effervescent tablet that you will dissolve in water. Soak your dentures overnight after gently brushing them to remove any plaque or food particles. This will give your dentures a deep clean.
3. Take your dentures out to sleep.
You should never wear your dentures overnight. Primarily you need to take them out to give the soft tissue in your mouth a break. However, removing your dentures overnight also protects the dentures themselves. Many people grind their teeth while they sleep, and this can prematurely wear down your dentures. You should keep your dentures moist at all times; store them in water or denture cleaning solution when you aren't wearing them.
4. Have your dentures repaired immediately.
Dentures are typically made of acrylic, a type of plastic, which means they are quite durable. However, they are not completely unbreakable. Dropping your dentures may cause them to break or crack. If this happens, you should have your dentures repaired as soon as possible. Getting your dentures repaired in a timely manner can keep cracks from getting bigger, which can save you from having to completely replace your dentures.
Share22 March 2019
