So you’ve got a new set of teeth, and you’re showing them off, getting comments about how notably brighter your smile looks than before. Your new dentures are something to behold, perhaps they’re even the talk of the town!
Don’t Placate the Plaque
Dentures still require, however, to be maintained to retain their lustre; somewhat like real teeth, they likewise need to be cleaned. “Why?” you may ask. Due to being in the human mouth, with all its complexity, and with all its eating of colorful and varied foodstuffs, drink, sugar, carbs, etc., your dentures will accumulate bacterial plaque, just like real teeth do. This bacterial plaque is proximal to your gums, and, via its bacteria, the calcium of the plaque itself, and plaque’s gradual hardening into tartar, the proximity of these substances to gums can contribute gradually to long-term issues. These include Gingivitis, which is inflammation around the bases of your teeth. Periodontal (gum) disease or periodontitis, which is inflammation of other, often deeper structures of the gum, and which is more serious, can damage the gum tissue and even the bone structure under the gums. Furthermore, the calcium-containing plaques can actually make it into arteries and contribute to arterial plaque and heart disease in the long term. So, the classic health imperative of “floss daily” and “brush twice daily” ought to have an equivalent and perhaps even more straightforward mantra for denture users, such as, “clean it daily, and regularly!”
Cleaning Dentures
Denture cleaning is a bit different from cleaning regular teeth. There are some aspects which are more convenient, some that are less. For one thing, no more flossing! The peskiest and most time-consuming aspect of traditional tooth care is gone. You will still brush them as normal, twice daily, to clear foodstuffs and plaque. Also, it is ideal to wash them after meals. Tartar, however, must be cleared by regular cleaning appointments with your denturist in Surrey, just as with natural teeth. “Oh, tartar sauce”, you might say, especially if you’re Spongebob’s grandparents. But surely you can realize these cleaning appointments no longer involve having dental hygienists putting sharp, pointy objects in your mouth, so you can add that to the unique benefits of dentures — even a benefit over getting dental implants! Ideally — just as with regular teeth —you should get dentures cleaned and inspected once every 6 months. Further, every 7 years or so, they should be replaced entirely, as they can gradually become porous and hold on to bacteria too hard to clean consistently enough.
Signs of Inflammation
Denture users and non denture users alike should keep on the lookout for any inflammation by being aware of what it looks and feels like. Dentists and denturists in Surrey appointments and cleanings can only do so much; much of the onus is on the user and owner of the dentures and mouth to prevent this very consequential condition and to stop painful infections from budding in the first place. If you’ve ever had a tooth infection before, you’ll know what we’re talking about.
Signs of Inflammation Include:
- A reddening of certain gum areas, usually around the base of teeth (the gingiva), in comparison with the rest of the gum’s lighter color.
- Bleeding when flossing or brushing is a very common indicator.
- Tenderness, aching, and pain of gums or teeth.
- A swelled look to the gums wherever inflamed.
- Recession (or peeling back, disappearance from the tooth surface) of gums.
- Bad Breath (which can indicate poor elimination of bacteria).
Anti-inflammatory, bacteria-reducing products such as mouthwash — and in particular, the new green tea containing mouthwash — are helpful in reducing overall inflammation, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Regular denture cleaning is also essential, as tartar and bacteria caught in bacteria biofilm can sometimes evade tooth brushing. If you are curious to find out more about denture cleaning and find a qualified, experienced Denturist in Surrey, click here to contact True Fit Denture Centre, or call us by phone: 604-503-1190, or email us at info@truefitdenture.ca.
