Proper Aftercare for Dentures: Tips of Patients
After losing many teeth, it can be difficult to eat, speak, and smile. Thankfully patients in the greater Philadelphia are can come to our dental care center for full or partial dentures. A set of sturdy false teeth can help you return to normal daily activities and an improve quality of life.
Many patients who need dentures often ask what they should do to keep their dentures clean. Let's cover the basic lifespan of a denture and offer some simple tips for care and maintenance.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
Dentures typically have a lifespan of several years. With very good care, you may be able to have your dentures last up to 10 years.
One must take into account the realities of dentures. Wearing dentures allows people to bite, chew, and eat, meaning that they are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Over time, this will take its toll on the dentures, eventually requiring replacement. In addition, poor care of your dentures, accidents, and other mishaps can lead to fractures on the dentures, which will necessitate either repair or replacement.
During your regular dental checkups, your dentist can assess the state of your dentures and make recommendations regarding replacement, repair, and how to improve proper care.
The Essentials of Denture Aftercare
There are few essential aspects of denture care that all denture wearers need to keep in mind:
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Brushing Your Dentures – Dentures should be brushed at least twice a day in order to remove food particles, prevent staining, and to avoid bad breath. A denture toothbrush and toothpaste should be used to clean the denture to ensure a thorough polish.
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Soaking Your Dentures at Night – Dentures should not be worn at night, allowing the gum tissue to breathe. Leaving dentures out in the open can lead to warping and other issues, so instead, be sure to soak your denture in clean water.
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Using Denture Cleaner – In addition to brushing and soaking your denture, consider using denture cleaner every now and then to help avoid stains and achieve better cleanliness. Some denture cleaners are anti-bacterial, which helps treat bad breath and other issues.
Oral Hygiene for Denture Wearers
With your dentures out, be sure to brush and floss any remaining teeth in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It's also important to clean your gums after your denture is out. This helps avoid bad breath as well as serious periodontal health issues.
What If My Denture Breaks?
If your denture should chip, crack, or fracture, it's important to bring this to the attention of your dentist. A repair may be done at the office if the damage is not too severe. If the denture is seriously damaged, a full replacement may be required. Your dentist will know for sure after looking at the damage.
Replacing Old or Damaged Dentures
When a denture is too worn or used, it's important for the denture to be replaced. Using records of the previous denture and new impressions of your gumline, a new denture will be crafted to address your dental health needs. When the new denture is completed, patients will be asked to continue cleaning their denture to help it last as long as possible.
Contact Artistic Expressions Dentistry
For more information on caring for dentures and making sure they last as long as possible, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. We will work with you to ensure your dental appliances and restorations last as long as possible.