Elder care

How to Make Your Dentures Last Longer

Dentures can be an expensive investment and you’ll want to do what you can to ensure their life is long. Having clean, strong dentures is your doorway to eating and having a smile you’re comfortable with. Take good care of your new teeth and they will last you a long five-to-seven years.

Scrub a Dub

Scrub your dentures at least twice daily. Use a denture cleaner and a soft toothbrush to remove any food particles or plaque (yep, your dentures will get plaque, too). Avoid harsh cleaners and stiff toothbrushes or you may damage the material. At all costs, do not use whitening agents; they’re very abrasive and can cause irreparable damage.

Rinse After Eating

It’s a long standing joke in sitcoms for older people to misplace their dentures. What the sitcoms don’t tell you is these characters are taking their dentures out because they’re supposed to be rinsed thoroughly after eating - losing them is another problem in and of itself. Pro tip: place a towel on the counter or in the sink so they don’t break in case you drop them.

See Your Dentist Regularly

No, having removable teeth doesn’t mean you don’t have to go see your dentist ever again. Care of your gums during this time is important, but your dentist can also advise you on how often you should have your dentures cleaned and checked. Your dentist is also critical in ensuring that your dentures fit properly; having your dentures slip can lead to unbearably painful sores, irritation, and even infection.

Give Them a Good Soak

Your dentures need to be soaked every night when you go to bed. If they aren’t kept moist, they can begin to lose their shape, leading to fit issues in your mouth. You can soak them in water or in a mild denture soaking agent. Don’t use a solution with chlorine if your dentures have metal attachments or the metal will become tarnished. Always rinse them thoroughly after using a soaking solution or the chemicals in the solution can cause sores or even vomiting if swallowed.

Denture Repairs and Adjustments

Sometimes your dentures can become misaligned and start to slip. Don’t ever try to adjust your dentures yourself as the clasps and metal attachments are easily broken. Don’t use “do it yourself” repair kits and steer clear of over-the-counter glues as they’re filled with harmful chemicals. When you’re having any issues with the fit, always consult your dentist for troubleshooting.

Losing your teeth can be a heartbreaking loss, but dentures can make your quality of life even better. Getting new dentures can cause little-to-no disruption in your lifestyle as modern dentures are low profile and require a very small “learning curve”. Don’t let the thought of dentures scare you! See your trusted dentist today to take the first step towards a healthy and happy smile.

Shared by eastgatedentalcentre.com.

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