Whether you have dentures or dental implants, you want your custom dental prosthetic to stay in good condition. Maintaining your prosthetics does require some diligence on your part, but with a little effort, you can enjoy them for years, even decades to come. Just follow these five simple tips to keep your prosthetics in top shape!
1. Practice Good Hygiene Habits
We all know the importance of brushing twice a day, but even if you only have a few teeth or none at all, daily dental hygiene is still vital for your health, and you’re prosthetic. Brush and floss any remaining teeth, and gently brush your gums to clean off any food particles.
If your gums become diseased, it will not only be uncomfortable to wear dentures, but it will negatively impact the fit. In the early stages, the gums swell and become irritated. If left untreated, the gum tissue could recede. Either case will cause your dentures to fit incorrectly, causing discomfort and soreness.
2. Clean Your Dentures the Right Way
You may be tempted to use your standard toothbrush and floss to clean your dentures – after all, you have them on hand. However, if you want them to last, you’ll need to treat them with extra care. Listen carefully to what the dentist tells you when you pick up your dentures and get the tools you need to care for them. This could include a special brush, cleaning solution, and a special rinse.
If you have a dental implant, on the other hand, special equipment may not be required. These prosthetics are designed to function like your real teeth, and this includes brushing and flossing. Take care of them just as you do your natural teeth, and they’ll be just fine.
3. Toss the Tobacco Products
No matter whether it’s smoked or chewed, tobacco use will leave dental prosthetics stained and is a known contributor to gum disease. Eliminate all tobacco use for the sake of your dentures and your health.
4. Stay Away from Staining Foods and Drinks
Just like your real teeth, your dentures can develop stains over time. To mitigate this, you should approach certain foods and drinks with caution. Dark things, such as coffee, soda, red wine, and dark berries, are known culprits of teeth and denture staining. Acidic foods and drinks can also contribute, such as spaghetti sauce and curry.
Try to limit your consumption of these known staining substances. When you do partake, rinse your dentures shortly after eating or drinking.
5. Make Regular Appointments for Dental Checkups
The standard recommendation for getting a checkup is every six months, though you may be instructed to make more frequent visits for particular health concerns. During your regular visit, the dentist will check to make sure your dentures and dental implants fit well and are in good condition. If any adjustments need to be made, they’ll be able to make the right corrections. They’ll also give you a good cleaning to keep your gums healthy.
Taking proper care of your dentures can help them to last a lifetime. Since you’ll have them for many years, it’s vital to get dentures, and dental implants that are well made and that fit comfortably.