Dentures – keep them clean for health

After many or all of your teeth have been lost, a set of dentures needs to be created and fitted to allow for proper speech and eating. These sets of dentures have advanced in ways that now allow them to be nearly identical in function and appearance to one’s natural tissue. While they may look the same, they are not and require a different type of care than is normally done for oral hygiene. With the correct steps and techniques it is possible to get the most out of your prosthetics.

Not keeping your dentures clean can have very negative consequences. Not only will they look bad and smell bad, but also debris and bacteria can actively damage and destroy beautiful dentures. Even if a person is diligent enough in trying to maintain these inserts, it is possible for them to be damaged using the wrong products or techniques. All that is necessary is to take the necessary precautions when handling and cleaning these parts.

First of all, never use hot water to try to clean your teeth. Although many think that it will help in sterilization and hygiene, it can also cause damage to the delicate soft parts of the units. Also, don’t use a regular toothbrush to scrub surfaces. Doing this will sometimes leave very fine scratches that become breeding grounds for bacteria and often contribute to bad odors. Instead, use a special brush that your dentist prescribed just for this purpose. Also be careful when inserting and removing dentures that are held in tightly. Saliva can make things slippery and if these pieces were to fall on the floor, they are very likely to chip or break and that will look bad and be expensive to repair. Finally, always soak these dental appliances in a specialized solution overnight to keep them as fresh and clean as possible. Taking these steps will surely ensure these pieces look and smell their best, but there are even more important necessities for good hygiene. Bacteria trapped between the gum and these units can cause infection and discomfort. Similarly, a chipped or cracked piece could cut the mouth and allow these bacteria to enter the body. One’s health should be considered important above all else.

Dentures offer an alternative to living with the embarrassment and discomfort of missing teeth. While they look good and perform well, they are not without their flaws. It can be difficult to keep these dentures in place which is why an increasing number of dentists are using dental implants to anchor false teeth to the gums and keep them safe and attractive.