You’ve made it to the end of the day and it’s time to brush your teeth. Of course, it’s a little different for you because you recently got a set of dentures. It’s been a fantastic change in your life; you’ve been more willing to smile and you can eat all of your favorite foods again. As you’re sitting there looking at you dentures, you wonder, “How am I supposed to clean these? Is it the same as my other teeth?” Actually, it’s a little different, and those little details are very important. Dr. Clarine Hightower and Dr. Yumna Valiulla have 6 simple tips for you to take care of your dentures in Bowie.
1. Rinse After Eating
After every meal, take a moment to rinse your dentures off with warm water. This will wash away any leftover food particles. Be sure to place a towel on the counter space you are using, as many people break their dentures every year simply from dropping them.
2. Be Gentle
Your dentures may have small arms or clasps that help them attach to your teeth. Whenever you are cleaning them, be careful not to bend or break them, as this is what gives you the proper fit.
3. Brush Your Teeth and Gums
An important part of maintaining your dentures is keeping your own teeth healthy, so you should brush them every day. If you are missing all of your natural teeth, be sure to brush your gums. Bacteria can easily become trapped between your dentures and your gums and this can lead to gum disease, which can affect how they fit over time.
4. Brush Your Dentures
Brush your dentures every day just like you would your regular teeth. The key difference is that you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush along with a toothpaste specifically made for dentures. This is because normal brushes and toothpaste can be too abrasive and actually damage your dentures. Be sure to brush every surface of the teeth and the gum-colored base.
5. Soak Them Overnight
Once you are finished brushing them, put them in a denture-soaking solution, or at least warm water overnight. Most dentures need to stay moist to maintain their shape over time. If they get too dry, they plastic may warp and they will not fit the same. Ask your dentist in Bowie about which soaking-solution you should use. Be sure to rinse your dentures off before you put them back in your mouth the next morning.
6. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Of course, you still need to regularly see your dentist at the Ambiance Dental Spa. This will give them a chance to professionally clean your dentures, as well as make sure you don’t have any underlying issues that may affect how they fit. This is also the chance for you to ask them about how you can help maintain them over time.
Have Questions?
It’s easy to keep your dentures in Bowie clean and your mouth healthy with just these 6 tips. After a few days it will all feel completely routine and you’ll have one less thing to worry about. If you have any more questions about how you can keep your dentures clean, please give us a call today.