Not only does tooth loss change your smile, but also it affects your overall health and wellbeing. With dentures, your smile is complete again. Although good oral hygiene is important for all patients, it is crucial for those who wear dentures. Following good oral health habits, keeps your mouth clean and helps you avoid denture issues. Located in Houston, TX, Dr. Marilyn Jones and the team at Houston Biological Dentist explain the important tips for denture care.
Types of dentures
While the goal is always to preserve the natural teeth for as long as possible, tooth loss does occur. Your teeth stimulate bone structure keeping your oral cavity healthy. Once teeth have been lost, dentures are an option for replacement. Dentures, in general, have benefits. Cosmetically, they fill out your face helping you look younger and natural. Patients are able to speak more clearly and can eat better.
Every patient is unique. Different dental issues, lifestyles, and finances equate to needing a variety of denture options. Custom treatment plans are created to provide the best quality denture for each patient’s needs. Dr. Jones offers full, partial, immediate, and implant-retained dentures for patients who have lost teeth.
- Full – Full dentures replace teeth missing in an entire dental arch, upper, lower or both. The cosmetically created teeth and gums fit into the mouth and stay in place using suction, adhesive or dental implants. The dentures are removable, easy to clean, and affordable.
- Partial – Partial dentures only replace some of the teeth. They are ideal for patients who are only missing a few teeth. The remaining teeth support the denture. Clasps attach the denture to the remaining teeth which provide the support for the structure.
- Immediate – Immediate dentures are placed without a gap in time so you are never toothless. A plan is put in place to extract any necessary teeth and to place the dentures all in one day.
- Implant-retained – Implant-retained dentures are used to replace a missing tooth with an implant which connects to the jawbone. The denture can then be attached to the implant providing more security and stability for the denture.
Tips to keep your dentures healthy
Regardless of which dentures you may have, it is important to take care of your dental device to prevent problems. Properly fitting dentures help avoid issues. When you get your dentures, your dentist will make sure they fit comfortably. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your new dentures. Assuming your dentures fit properly, it is important for everyone to follow good oral hygiene habits to keep the mouth clean and healthy. Appropriate care of your dentures keeps your mouth and your dental device healthy. While improper handling can cause problems, proper care extends the lifetime of your dentures.
Important tips for denture care may include:
- Handle your dentures with care. Dentures are delicate. Use care when cleaning and handling to avoid dropping it.
- Clean your dentures each day. The device should be brushed and rinsed, but not with toothpaste. Toothpaste is too harsh for dentures. It can cause microscopic scratches on the device. Then, plaque can deposit in the scratches and damage the denture. Rinse your dentures after eating snacks and meals. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush gently brushes away food particles to help prevent stains.
- Use a denture cleaner. Instead of toothpaste, use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid. Household cleaners are also abrasive so avoid using those.
- Take out your dentures to brush your natural teeth and gums. If you still have your natural teeth, brush and floss twice daily as usual. Always make sure to take out your partial denture first. Do not forget about your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth as these areas can house bacteria.
- Store your dentures properly. Dentures can lose their shape if they do not stay moist. Store them in water or a soaking solution as recommended by your dentist. Avoid using hot water that may warp your dental device.
- Do not wear your dentures to sleep unless otherwise directed by your dentist.
If you encounter issues with your dentures, contact your dentist right away to address the problem before it escalates causing additional pain or irritation. Contact Houston Biological Dentist to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marilyn Jones. Call (713) 497-1355.
