Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog

Dentures: Care and Maintenance

12 January 2015

Duane Kelly

Even with the invention of dental implants and osseointegration procedures, the use of dentures still remains quite popular. If you have recently acquired removable partial or complete dentures, you will be required to give them appropriate care so that they will serve you longer. The objective should be to keep the dental prostheses safe and stainless, and to promote oral health. Here are some of the best ways to achieve this:

Proper Handling

Dentures are quite delicate and therefore can break easily. Unless you are willing to spend money frequently in buying new ones, consider taking precautions to avoid damage. It is important to always have a buffer under them while cleaning such as fabric or a bowl of water. Avoid using toothpicks or hard brushes to prevent the structure from wearing away. While gentle hand soap can be used on the prosthetic without consequence, harsher detergents will corrode the surface and reduce the longevity significantly. Whitening toothpaste, bleaching agents and hot water should also be avoided.

Frequent Cleaning

Brushing dentures should be a daily affair to prevent staining and accumulation of food particles. There are brushes with soft bristles that have been manufactured for this specific purpose. When carrying out this task, avoid aggressive motions that could bend and break the item but ensure that every surface has been cleaned. Denture cleansers are also ideal cleaning agents since they are able to remove stubborn stains and food deposits. However, they should never be used in the mouth since they are not safe when swallowed. You should also consider rinsing the prosthetic after all meals for your comfort.

Mouth Hygiene

When you remove your dentures, ensure that you clean your mouth thoroughly. This will prevent bacterial build-up and remove the dirt in the oral cavity. Use a soft brush to clean the natural teeth as well as the palate, tongue and cheeks. Most dentures require moisture in order to remain in good shape but others with metallic components may tarnish under the same treatment. Inquire about the details with regard to proper storage when not in use.

Dental Checkups

A dentist is indispensable so ensure that you schedule periodic checkups. The tissues in your oral cavity will be checked for any adverse changes to prevent accelerated ill health. If the dentures are no longer a perfect fit, see the physician for rectification before sores and infections develop.

If the dentures get damaged in anyway, visit a clinic like The Denture Centre for assistance. Attempting home repair and adjustments will likely cause more harm than good.

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