Patients with missing teeth can find an ideal tooth replacement solution with dentures. Partial dentures can replace several missing teeth while a set of full dentures can replace an entire arch of teeth.
Once you have dentures, you will want to ensure they are kept in good condition so you can enjoy their restorative benefits for as long as possible. Dr. Joseph Thompson, a dentist in Greeley, CO, offers tips for maintaining and caring for your dentures to ensure long-lasting effects.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The first step in taking care of your dentures is to practice good hygiene for the rest of your mouth. Keeping remaining teeth and gums healthy ensures that teeth do not shift and gums stay strong enough to support your dentures and avoid slippage.
Good oral hygiene habits include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Rinsing with mouthwash can eliminate excess bacteria to clean spots of your mouth missed with traditional brushing. Dentures should be removed while brushing to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Rinse and Soak Your Dentures
Dentures require maintenance of their own beyond your usual oral hygiene regimen. They should be brushed daily with a specified cleanser to remove bacteria gathered from your mouth.
You should also rinse dentures after eating to get rid of any lingering food particles. Avoid rinsing with hot water, as this can warp the framework of your dentures.
When you are not wearing your dentures – while sleeping, for instance – these fixtures should be soaked in a cleaning solution. Dentures can dry out and lose their shape if left in the open air.
Schedule Regular Dental Appointments
You should maintain communication and regular appointments with your dentist once you receive your dentures. Routine dentist appointments should occur every six months for professional cleanings and oral examinations.
Dentures should last five years with proper care and maintenance, but your facial structure may change as you age, which can affect the fit of your dentures. If your dentures are slipping out of place, you should contact your dentist for an adjustment.
Dentures and More Restorative Care in Greeley, CO
Dr. Thompson provides dentures and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Greeley, CO. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 970.205.9614.