Without dentures, it's important to follow the Australian Dental Association (ADA)guidelines and brush natural teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and floss between them once a day. A soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste are best for brushing natural teeth. The toothbrush must be the right size and shape for you to reach every tooth and the gum tissue in your mouth. Along with brushing the teeth, you should also brush your tongue, where bacteria often live. And every three or four months, or when the bristles fray (whichever is sooner), your toothbrush should be replaced.
Dentures are removable and made of various synthetic materials. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center finds most dentures are made from flesh- coloured acrylic, metal, plastic, porcelain or a combination of these. Implants are sometimes used to attach dentures to the jaw bone. These implants protrude from the gum, as well as the denture attached to the protrusions that make the denture more secure and comfortable for the wearer, states Creighton University School of Dentistry .
Oral care for partial and full dentures is different from caring for natural teeth. Caring for partial dentures involves normal care for the natural teeth, and removing and cleaning the partial denture. These partial dentures are attached with precision devices and full dentures may be secured with suction or implants. Both partial and full dentures should be removed once a day for cleaning, usually before going to bed at night. The ADA and the University of Michigan Health System advise partial and full denture wearers to stand over a towel or sink filled with water to avoid breaking the dentures if they are accidentally dropped.
Before cleaning, dentures should be rinsed in cool, fresh water. Then you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as Colgate® 360° Sensitive Pro-Relief™ to remove plaque and food deposits. Unfortunately, your everyday toothpastes, household cleaners and hot water are not suitable for cleaning dentures. Toothpastes and cleaners can take the “pink” colour out of the acrylic resin, whereas hot water can warp their shape. Therefore, consider a denture cleansing solution that can clean the denture overnight. It is important to always clean dentures carefully to avoid bending attachments or damaging the plastic. Full and partial denture wearers should also continue to brush their gums, the remaining teeth and the tongue.
Cleaning your teeth is a little different before and after dentures, but both methods involve a regular oral care routine using the correct products. Regular checkups at the dentist are still required to ensure the dentures fit well. Caring for dentures in this way keeps your mouth fresh and healthy.
Your teeth can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental check-ups.
“Oral Care Before and After Dentures” examines different types of dentures and how to care for them and natural teeth.
Replacing missing teeth will help to improve your function, appearance and smile. Without support from the denture, facial muscles can sag, making a person look older. What’s more, dentures will help you eat and speak more comfortably — things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.