It’s no word of a lie that getting a good pair of dentures can give you a new lease on life. With well-fitting and professionally made dentures, you can smile brightly for every photo and eat the foods that have been off the table (literally) due to tooth loss. Dentures can even improve your speaking.
However, getting dentures comes with a list of responsibilities. They are a hefty investment after all, and you want to make sure that you’re caring for them properly. Dentures need to soak overnight and be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. Additionally, caring for your gums becomes vital once you have dentures fitted. Healthy gums help give your dentures a secure fitting, reducing the likelihood that they will fall out while you speaking or eating.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to gum care for denture wearers.
If you need a denturist in Surrey, BC, click here to book an appointment with TrueFit Denture Centre.
Clean your Dentures
You must put clean dentures into your mouth every morning. After gently brushing your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and letting them soak overnight, inspect your dentures for debris before reinserting them. Tartar can harden on dentures the same way it hardens onto natural teeth.
Clean Gums Make a Good Foundation for Dentures
Caring for your gums is just as important as caring for your dentures. However, your gums are sensitive so it’s important to be extra gentle while doing so. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush made for teething babies as they are usually much gentler on your gums than toothbrushes made for adults. Alternatively, you can use a clean, warm washcloth to wipe your gums. Finish off with a mouthwash formulated for gum health. You can even find options made specially for sensitive mouths.
If you have a partial denture or a bridge, make sure you’re maintaining the same level of oral health. A partial denture is made to accommodate any remaining natural teeth and uses those teeth as an ‘anchor’ of sorts to make your denture fit securely. Gently clean the gums where you have missing teeth but continue to brush and floss your remaining teeth. Use caution when brushing your natural teeth near any gum area.
Give Your Gums Some Breathing Space
When you wear your dentures full time, you run the risk of developing bacteria (like yeast) between your dentures and your gum line. Wearing your dentures overnight greatly increases this risk. Instead of wearing your dentures while you sleep, take them out and place them in a clean glass of water. This not only gives your mouth a chance to be cleaned naturally by the saliva flow of your mouth, but it also prevents your dentures from drying out which could lead to cracking or chipping. Always be sure to clean your dentures before soaking them. It’s also a good idea to take your dentures out approximately every 6-8 hours to give your gums a chance to: air out”. You will see that in addition to lowering your risk of bacteria growth in your mouth, your gums will be much more comfortable with a break. Wearing your dentures too often can result in sore spots on the gum line.
Stick to your Appointment Schedule
Make sure you keep all the check-up appointments your denturist sets for you. For answers to your denture care questions, click here for a denturist in Surrey, BC.
FAQs About Gum Care When Wearing Dentures
1. Can wearing dentures cause gum problems?
Yes. Dentures that do not fit properly or are not cleaned regularly can contribute to gum irritation, soreness, and inflammation. Daily gum care, proper denture cleaning, and regular denture checkups can help maintain healthier gums.
2. How can I prevent gum irritation from wearing dentures?
Clean your dentures and gums every day, avoid wearing dentures continuously, and give your gums time to rest. If irritation or sore spots continue, have your dentures checked by a denturist to determine whether they need adjustment.
3. Can I brush my gums while wearing dentures?
You should remove your dentures before cleaning your gums. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush to remove bacteria and maintain good oral hygiene.
4. What should I do if my gums hurt when I wear dentures?
Remove your dentures periodically to allow your gums to rest and check for areas where the dentures may be rubbing or creating pressure. If pain, redness, or sore spots persist, contact your denturist because your dentures may require an adjustment or refitting.
5. How can I keep my gums healthy while wearing dentures every day?
Maintain a daily routine that includes cleaning your dentures, gently cleaning your gums and tongue, removing your dentures for periods of rest, and keeping regular appointments with your denturist. Good oral hygiene and a properly fitting denture can help support long-term gum health.
