Dentures are a big investment, and while they aren’t your natural teeth, they still need regular cleaning and care to ensure they last. Unfortunately, it’s easy to fall into bad habits that can damage your dentures without even realizing it. This blog will highlight some of these less-than-desirable habits and provide tips on better ways to care for your dentures
so they can continue to serve you well for years to come.
- Not Cleaning Your Dentures Regularly
Just like your natural teeth need to be brushed twice a day to keep them healthy, dentures also need to be cleaned daily. Plaque, food particles, and bacteria can accumulate on your dentures and around your gums, causing bad breath, discoloration, and potentially even leading to infection.
To avoid unintentionally damaging your dentures or negatively impacting your oral health get into the habit of brushing your dentures at least once per day. Using a soft-bristle brush designed for dentures and a mild, non-abrasive denture cleanser gently scrub your dentures to remove food debris and plaque, paying close attention to all the surfaces, including the areas that rest against your gums.
- Wearing Your Dentures 24/7
It might seem like no big deal to leave your dentures in all day and night, but this is harmful to both the denture and your mouth. Your gums and soft tissues need a break to rest and recover, which is why denture clinics in Surrey recommend taking them out at night. Wearing dentures continually for days at a time can lead to sore spots, irritation, and even infections in your mouth.
Create a bedtime routine where you remove your dentures to clean (see tip number 1) and then place them in a denture solution or plain water to soak overnight. This helps keep. They clean, maintain their shape, and give your mouth a much-needed rest.
- Not Soaking Your Dentures
Speaking of soaking, this is an important step that many people neglect. Dentures need to stay moist to retain their shape and fit properly. If they dry out, they can warp, which can cause discomfort and impact the fit.
When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them in water or a denture-soaking solution and make sure to use room-temperature water to avoid warping.
- Skipping Regular Check-ups with Your Denturist
Just like you would visit the dentist for regular check-ups, it’s important to see your dentist regularly as well. During these semi-annual appointments to your Surrey denture clinic, your dentures will be examined for signs of wear or damage, and they will also be checked to ensure proper fit. Over time your mouth will naturally begin to change shape and without adjustments, your dentures may stop fitting correctly, which can cause slippage, soreness, and even impact your ability to speak and chew properly.
Routine check-ups with your denturist will help ensure your dentures are in good condition and fit comfortably.