Dentures are removable oral appliances custom made to replace missing teeth. Getting your dentures fitted is sure to positively impact your life, allowing you to regain confidence and restore your smile.
Dentures are one of the most popular ways to replace teeth. However, those with these common appliances may be unclear about how to handle them with care. Read on to discover why it is so important to properly care for your dentures.
A good oral hygiene routine is crucial to retaining the jawbone structure and protecting the mouth from bacterial attack. If all teeth are missing, dentists still recommend brushing the gums, cheeks and tongue every morning and night to keep bacteria at a minimum. Even without teeth, the gums and tongue are still susceptible to plaque buildup. Dental cleanings should still be a big part of the routine when dentures are being used.
Always be sure to remove dentures after eating. Rinse the appliances in lukewarm water to rid them of food particles and residue from beverages. Brush dentures at least once per day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and dish soap, as toothpaste is too abrasive for dentures.
Removing dentures is a critical part of keeping your gums healthy. Take them out for a minimum of five hours per day. Most of those who wear dentures tend to take them out at night, as this is the longest period of time when the dentures do not need to be used.
Taking out dentures at night gives the gums and other supporting tissues a chance to rest. While the dentures are out, the gums receive exposure to the natural antibacterial properties of saliva.
Popping your dentures out at night will help clean the mouth and stop the buildup of bacteria. When dentures are removed at bedtime, store them overnight in water or a denture cleaning solution.
Even when they spend the night in a cleaning solution, dentures still need to be brushed during the day. There is no substitute for cleaning dentures using a toothbrush with soap.
Leaving dentures in for an extended period of time can be dangerous for your oral health. Those who wear dentures through the night are more likely to develop plaque on their dentures and tongue. The longer you wear your dentures without taking them out, the more susceptible you are to gum disease, oral thrush and bone loss.
Resorption, the decrease in jawbone volume due to excessive denture wear, can cause the bony ridge beneath the gums to deteriorate. When this happens, the mouth can no longer support the dentures.
However, some studies have shown that if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea at night, you should actually leave your dentures in while sleeping. If you do, however, know that you will have to remove them for a portion of the day to let your gums and mouth muscles rest. Consult your dentist first if you want to leave dentures in at night. The dentist will help come up with a schedule for you that will leave your oral health intact.
Request an appointment here: https://carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 575-6101 for an appointment in our Carmel office.
Check out what others are saying about our denture care services on Yelp: Denture Care.
A cavity between teeth, clinically called interproximal cavities, develops on the contact surfaces where two teeth press together. Unlike cavities on chewing surfaces that you might spot in a mirror, interproximal decay hides out of sight. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach these tight spaces, so plaque and bacteria build up silently for months before anyone notices.Most…
If you live in Carmel or Hamilton County and want both a brighter and straighter smile, you're not alone. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, patients regularly ask whether they should tackle teeth whitening or teeth straightening first. The answer depends on your starting point.Here's a practical rule of thumb: if you have moderate to…
Your rear molars sit deep in the mouth and endure immense chewing pressure every day. When one of those back teeth develops a problem that can't be fixed, the idea of having a tooth pulled can feel overwhelming - especially if you're not sure what the process involves or how long recovery takes.This guide answers…
Facing tooth loss is stressful enough without worrying about months spent without a complete smile. Same day dentures let you walk out of our Carmel, IN office with functional teeth on the very same day your remaining natural teeth are extracted.Same Day Dentures: Fast Relief and a New Smile in One VisitWhat Are Immediate Dentures…
A cavity between teeth, clinically called interproximal cavities, develops on the contact surfaces where two teeth press together. Unlike cavities on chewing surfaces that you might spot in a mirror, interproximal decay hides out of sight. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach these tight spaces, so plaque and bacteria build up silently for months before anyone notices.Most…
If you live in Carmel or Hamilton County and want both a brighter and straighter smile, you're not alone. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, patients regularly ask whether they should tackle teeth whitening or teeth straightening first. The answer depends on your starting point.Here's a practical rule of thumb: if you have moderate to…