Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily care and attention to ensure they look their best and perform optimally. Denture-wear doesn’t mean that the mouth no longer needs to be cared for. The truth is that gums, jawbone, and all oral tissues still require daily maintenance to ensure they remain healthy and free from oral bacteria. You may be able to throw out the dental floss, but that’s about as far as it goes as even dentures aren’t immune to plaque and calculus buildups, so keep your toothbrush close.
Taking Care of Gums
Oral bacteria (plaque) never stops forming, so regardless of whether you wear a denture or have natural teeth, soft tissues are prone to plaque buildups that cause bad breath, gum inflammation, and a generally unhealthy mouth. Though you don’t have any natural teeth to brush, it’s important that gums, cheeks, and the tongue are brushed daily with a soft bristled brush to remove bacterial deposits. The action of brushing gums increases blood flow and helps to nourish oral tissue that spends several hours a day being covered by a denture. Dry mouth, a condition that can be especially uncomfortable for individuals who wear a denture, can be eased by daily care that involves gently brushing gums and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthrinse that contains glycerine to help moisturize tissue. Removing dentures at bedtime not only provides an opportunity to clean your dentures, but it also gives gums a much needed break.
Don’t Forget Check-Up Exams
It’s important to note that the risk of oral cancer doesn’t decrease just because you don’t have natural teeth. Oral cancer can develop in the jawbone, under the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth, so keeping up with regular exams will give your denturist or dentist an opportunity to perform an oral cancer screening and look for other signs of oral health issues such as yeast overgrowth, ulcers, and gum disease. Regular check-up exams are also important to ensure your denture is fitting optimally and no adjustments are needed.
Caring for Your Denture
Handling your denture with care will help prevent mishaps and breakages and extend the life of the denture. Caring for your denture involves being extra gentle with it when removing it from the mouth. A great habit to get into is to place a towel or other padded fabric beneath you so that there is less chance of the denture breaking if accidentally dropped. Cleaning your denture not only keeps your teeth looking great, but it also contributes to the health of your entire mouth. Don’t be afraid to clean your denture after each meal as food debris may get trapped and contribute to gum irritation and bad breath. Soaking your denture in a recommended antibacterial solution keeps it looking good and free from unwanted bacterial activity.
Not sure how to clean your denture? Talk to the denturists at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic today! Contact us at (403) 254-5000
