Today, dental laboratories use durable materials to make natural looking false teeth along with the supporting devices of dentures. Many patients wear both bottom and top devices with a complete or partial amount of artificial teeth to provide a nice smile line and sturdy biting surface. Whatever type of dentures worn, the wearers must learn the correct way to care for the dental appliances to avoid damage.
One: Incorrect Denture Removal and Insertion
Incorrect removal of dentures from the mouth can lead to loose artificial teeth and broken supports. To prolong the life span of dental appliances, wearers should learn the proper method of insertion and removal. A denture in the lower part of the mouth requires removal with a gentle rocking and pulling motion to avoid breakage. For upper false teeth, individuals must place their thumb against the top teeth while pressing upward and outward toward their nose.
Two: Cleaning with Regular Toothpaste
While false teeth are made to look natural, the material is not as durable as tooth enamel. Using regular toothpaste designed for real teeth leads to damage from abrasive substances that will degrade dentures. It is also not acceptable to soak dentures in bleach or vinegar that can discolor or dissolve materials. Buy dental hygiene products formulated for sanitizing dentures while continuing to use regular toothpaste for natural teeth, gums and the tongue to keep the mouth healthy without damaging artificial teeth.
Three: Avoid Dropping False Teeth
Dropping dentures on bathroom countertops or floors will cause the items to chip or break. To prevent this from occurring, place a soft bath towel on a countertop before removing teeth. Covering the floors of bathrooms with rugs can also prevent breakage if the devices are accidentally dropped. Dentures are often slippery when removed, so prepare ahead of time by avoiding dropping the dental appliances in sinks during the rinsing process. Special care is also necessary when removing the dentures from soaking liquids to place inside the mouth.
Four: Protect Dentures during Sports
Anyone with healing dentures in Tempe AZ, or any location for that matter, needs to wear a mouth guard over the devices to prevent breakage of the false teeth and supports. The best mouth guards are custom-made at a dental facility from a mold placed in the mouth while wearing the dentures. Over-the-counter dental guards while engaged in sport activities are not the most appropriate option to prevent damage but are acceptable until a customized device is ready. It is also vital to sanitize the mouth guards according to the directions from a dental facility to maintain its effectiveness.
Five: Failing to Visit a Dentist Regularly
Individuals wearing dentures must continue to visit a dentist at least twice a year to protect their oral health. Dental care is essential for protecting remaining natural teeth in addition to the gums. As people age, their gum tissue may shrink, leading to needing adjustments to dentures to avoid slippage that lead to mouth sores or dropping dentures. A dental facility will inspect dentures during a visit to find small cracks or loose teeth to make a repair before the appliances are completely unusable.
Taking good care of dentures each day helps to make the devices last longer. Get in the habit of rinsing dentures with cool water after meals to remove food debris from the artificial teeth and holding materials. Avoid using hot water on dentures to prevent warping the plastic materials that hold the false teeth in place. Instead of using a toothbrush designed for natural teeth, buy a specialized cleaning brush to care for dentures.
