Spaces in your smile left behind by missing teeth can potentially detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about the changes to your visage, or struggle to eat or speak confidently.
Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for rebuilding after tooth loss because they can restore your mouth’s appearance and functionality simultaneously. However, you must maintain them carefully to keep them looking bright and clean. Continue reading to learn 3 tips that can help you preserve your new teeth!
Tip #1: Brush Them Regularly
Some patients who have lost all their natural teeth mistakenly believe that means there’s no longer any need to be concerned with their oral health. However, your dentures rely on a firm suction against your connective tissues to remain in place all day. That gives bacteria trapped between your teeth and gums and your restoration ample time to thrive.
This can form a layer of plaque on the surfaces of your dentures that can leave them looking worse for wear. This residue also gives deeply pigmented particles something to cling to, increasing the likelihood of developing stains. Fortunately, you can prevent this by removing them twice daily to thoroughly brush all sides with a soft-bristle brush and clear dish soap or a special paste that won’t abrade its surfaces.
Tip #2: Soak Them at Night
Are you wondering if it’s safe to sleep with your dentures in at night? You might think this can shield them from potential harm, but the truth is, keeping them in 24/7 isn’t typically recommended.
The bond they form against your connective tissues reduces their circulation, reducing your body’s ability to deliver essential nutrients or infection-fighting cells. This increases the likelihood of developing gum disease, which can make it uncomfortable to wear your restoration. It’s better to remove them and leave them in a glass of room-temperature water to kill germs while retaining their shape while you rest. You can even purchase a special soaking solution designed to keep them clean so they’re fresh when you reinsert them in the morning.
Tip #3: Schedule Routine Cleanings
Dentures aren’t made from the same organic materials as your teeth, so they won’t respond to topical whitening the same way. If you try to brighten them with bleach or a whitening paste, it can damage the materials and might even be toxic if ingested.
Instead, it’s recommended that you schedule a routine checkup and cleaning with your dentist every six months. They can monitor your oral health to spot and treat any areas of concern, like early signs of gum disease, as well as polish away more recent surface stains from your restoration to boost your confidence.
If you have additional questions about maintaining your dentures, your provider can give you more detailed information that takes your unique circumstances into account!
About the Practice
Patients at Harris Parkway Dental Care benefit from a team that’s dedicated to helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a complete menu of services to meet your unique needs under one roof. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while providing accurate treatment results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 423-2223.