Without a full set of teeth, your oral health and confidence suffer. Dentures are one way to restore the beauty and vitality of your smile. Constructed as false teeth on a gum-colored base, full or partial dentures can fill in missing teeth and give you a complete smile. Once you have dentures, you need to take proper care of these prosthetic devices to ensure that they last.
Give your dentures a break
To let your mouth tissues recover, remove your dentures for six to eight hours a day, either at night or at another convenient time.
Keep them clean
Stains and bacteria can still build up on dentures, so they need regular cleaning. Most drugstores sell products designed to clean dentures, but you can also use mild dishwashing detergent, regular hand soap, mildly abrasive toothpaste and dental paste as well.
Protect your investment
Most of the time, dentures aren’t cheap, so you need to handle them with care. Safely store them when they are not in your mouth, and clean them with a soft brush. Don’t leave your appliance in reach of pets or small children.
Care for your entire mouth
Though you may have lost your teeth, you need to look out for your gums. Make sure to rinse your mouth after removing your dentures. You should also massage gum tissue with a washcloth or soft-bristled brush. Patients with partial dentures need to brush and floss daily.
Visit the dentist
Even if you have no original teeth left, you still need to see the dentist at least once a year. These appointments allow your dentist to examine your mouth and look for any issues with gums and soft tissues.
