Dentures: Recommended Care and Cleaning Techniques

Nov 24
09:43

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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If you have dentures or are new to them then you know the long process that it took to get them made, fitted, and comfortable. Concentrating on good oral hygiene is certainly different with false teeth than it was before, but taking great care of your teeth, both fake and real, is still important. Cleaning your new teeth, caring for your mouth, and finding good products to help you with both will all promote optimal mouth care. Read on to learn more.

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If you have dentures or are new to them then you know the long process that it took to get them made,Dentures: Recommended Care and Cleaning Techniques Articles fitted, and comfortable. Concentrating on good oral hygiene is certainly different with false teeth than it was before, but taking great care of your teeth, both fake and real, is still important. Cleaning your dentures, caring for your mouth, and finding good products to help you with both will all promote optimal mouth care.

To begin, remember that just because your teeth have been replaced, you still have a mouth, gums, a tongue, etc. to care for. Brush your gums and any remaining natural teeth normally with a soft bristled toothbrush using fluoridated toothpaste. This is recommended not only for good oral health, but it also stimulates circulation inside your mouth, which is a necessity for your mouth and for your new teeth. Brush the tongue as a part of your regular routine, and rinse regularly with a mouth rinse to keep your mouth fresh, as dentures can promote bacterial growth especially inside of a mouth that is being neglected.

Cleaning your dentures is a learning process and there are many things that you will learn as you go along to help make care both optimal and easier. Using a specially made brush, clean your new teeth every day with clean warm water. A common mistake for those with new teeth is brushing too hard. Because you cannot feel the pressure from the brush it is tempting to scrub in order to remove stains and spots from the teeth, but the materials used to make the teeth can be damaged by such aggressive treatment. A daily soak is also recommended to keep them looking white and to prevent plaque buildup and odor.

There are also several of products on the market meant to aid in the care of your false teeth. Adhesives are meant to help retain position, special soaks are offered to help with odors, and special brushes are sold as well. It may take some trial and error to determine with products work for you, though beyond the aforementioned warm water brush and the necessary soaking when your teeth are removed from your mouth to keep the materials from drying and shrinking, these products are sometimes helpful but not imperative.

Definitely talk with your dentist about things to avoid with your particular set of teeth. If you happen to have metal embedded in one of your bridges, then soaking may be an issue for you as it will promote tarnishing. Some doctors will stand behind certain products with the intent of taking the guesswork out of care for you. Keep lines of communication open with your dental professional about which products you have tried, and be open to his recommendations. You may find that you do not need products at all if you follow the recommended guidelines for optimal denture and mouth care.