Posted on January 28, 2021
Are you someone who has dentures and needs a refresher on how to care for them properly? Or, are you thinking about getting dentures and looking for more information? Here’s what you should know when it comes to denture care.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth used to replace missing natural teeth. They’re attached to a pink-coloured based that resembles the gums.
When teeth have been removed from your mouth, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk of bone loss or other teeth moving towards the space, which can cause tooth decay.
Types of Dentures
If you need dentures, there are three main types that your dentist will consider.
Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures are used to replace an entire arch of natural teeth. They are held in place through suction.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when only a few natural teeth need to be replaced. They are clipped onto the surrounding natural teeth.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root attached to a crown, bridge, or denture.
How to Properly Care for Your New Dentures
Regardless of which type of denture you have, you must take care of them properly. Otherwise, they could harbour germs and bacteria, start to smell, and wear prematurely.
Artificial teeth need to be cleaned as thoroughly and carefully as natural teeth. If you have fixed dentures (dentures that cannot be removed) or implants, you can floss and brush normally to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Keep in mind that your false teeth may not be as strong as natural teeth. When you brush and floss, make sure you are extra gentle to avoid causing damage.
If you have removable dentures, the cleaning process will be slightly different. Like natural teeth, removable dentures need to be cleaned every day. Carefully brush them as you would natural teeth and ensure you take the time to clean and massage your gums, too.
Every night, removable dentures need to be placed in a denture cleanser or warm water (with or without vinegar). Soaking them reduces plaque and/or tartar buildup, which will then come off easier when you brush. After placing your dentures aside for soaking, it’s important to rinse out your mouth thoroughly.
While cleaning your dentures, take the time to complete a quick inspection of them. If you notice any damage to your dentures or implants, you should get them inspected by a dental professional as soon as possible.
The same goes for if you ever experience any discomfort while wearing your dentures. Be sure to share any of your denture concerns with an experienced dental team!
Contact Creek View Dental Today
For more information about dentures, contact Creek View Dental! Located in St. Catharines, our dental experts can provide you with the information you’re looking for regarding dental care.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our qualified team!