Dentures: Tips For Better Living

While dentures are one of the best solutions available for those who have lost their natural teeth, they aren't perfect by any means. Still, there are plenty of people wearing them that aren't getting even a fraction out of their artificial replacements that they could be. Making mistakes along the way is to be expected, but if you don't correct those mistakes you could become one of their most vocal critics. The truth is that wearing these teeth takes some getting used to. It takes some adaptation. But if you can put some effective practices into play, you'll find that it isn't as bad as you thought. Here are some tips for better living.

Clean With a Soft Toothbrush
Most dentists advise using a soft bristled toothbrush on a regular basis, with or without dentures. If you do have them, however, you'll be much more advised to use one. If you're the type who skips any brushing with your artificial teeth, you might want to reconsider. You should also use the soft brush on your gums, getting rid of any debris or bacteria that has built up throughout the night or day. Before putting your set away for the night, you may also want to add some liquid to the container. Keeping them moist will go a long way in improving their lifespan.

Don't Overuse Adhesive
A lot of people with ill fitting dentures begin using increasingly ridiculous amounts of adhesive to compensate. This is not a great situation. You should talk to your dentist about improving the fit of your set if you find yourself squeezing more adhesive onto the set before putting them in. There's nothing wrong with using a little bit of adhesive, but an excessive amount is just going to cause problems. It may be time for a new set. Even if not, there may be things your dentist can do to improve how they fit in your mouth.

Keep Up With Dental Appointments
Don't make the common mistake of assuming that no teeth = no dentist. This isn't the case at all. Your gums, tongue, and other oral faculties still need to be examined on a regular basis. While you certainly don't need to worry about cavities any longer with your dentures, gum disease is still a real possibility and must be watched. Don't discount the importance of screening for oral cancer, either. While not the most common malady for those who don't use tobacco, it is still worth being checked every so often. Your doctor may not spend much time in your mouth, as he assumes your dentist is checking out any problems in that area. Make sure he is.