
Jun
As a new denture wearer, you may have questions about caring for your new teeth. You want your smile to look its best at all times. Good denture care ensures your artificial teeth stay in shape long-term to avoid having to replace your pearly whites before their time. The good news is denture maintenance and care are fairly straightforward and fit your busy schedule.
The following are some smart tips from Dr. Arnold Cutler, DDS, and your Lakeside, California dental team on oral care with dentures and how to keep your dentures in tip-top shape:
Dentures need a thorough cleaning at least once daily to keep them looking and functioning at their best. Remove your dentures for cleaning so you can get to food trapped underneath. Gently brushing with mild liquid soap or a denture cleaner will help remove food, debris, and adhesive residue from your teeth. If you wear partial dentures, clean around the clips that attach your dentures to your natural teeth as well. Rinse with warm water before returning them to your mouth; rinsing dentures after every meal is also a good idea to keep them odor-free.
Modern dentures greatly improve your ability to chew, allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods. However, you should be mindful of your diet, as certain foods can harm your teeth. Dr. Cutler recommends avoiding hard and excessively hot foods as they can damage your artificial teeth. You should also avoid sticky foods as they can dislodge your dentures, causing them to come loose.
Never sleep with dentures, which can irritate your gums or cause gum infections. Always remove your artificial teeth at night and soak them in denture solution to keep them from becoming stiff. Soaking dentures nightly keeps them moist and pliable so they fit comfortably the next day.
Dentures are held in place by suction and dental adhesive. Before applying adhesive, make sure your dentures are clean. The adhesive won’t hold when placed on top of residue, making your dentures less stable and secure. Adhesive residue can also harbor germs that can lead to oral infection.
Changes in your mouth and jaw can affect how your dentures fit. If your teeth feel awkward or uncomfortable in your mouth, Dr. Cutler can adjust them for a better fit. Professional adjustments will improve denture comfort and functionality without compromising the integrity of your artificial teeth. Gum soreness, difficulty chewing, and changes in your speech are signs that your dentures may need some adjusting.
Learn more about dentures and their care from Dr. Arnold Cutler in Lakeside, CA. Contact us at (619) 815-3592 for all your denture care needs.