While some individuals believe that maintaining good oral hygiene is simpler with dentures due to the absence of natural teeth, it is crucial to recognize that oral health extends beyond merely cleaning teeth. Even without natural teeth, the gums remain susceptible to infection and disease, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive oral care.
Clean Your Gums
Establishing a robust oral hygiene routine while wearing dentures involves the daily cleansing of the mouth and gums. Dentists advise the use of a damp washcloth to meticulously clean the gums following denture removal, ensuring the elimination of food particles, bacteria, and any lingering denture adhesive. To further enhance oral cleanliness, individuals can opt for a non-alcoholic mouthwash, which not only rinses the mouth effectively but also serves as an antibacterial solution.
Clean Your Dentures
Dentures endure extensive time in the mouth daily and are subject to similar challenges as natural teeth. Just like natural teeth, they require daily cleaning, but unlike natural teeth, using toothpaste is not recommended as it can damage dentures. Instead, dentures should be cleaned using warm water or a designated denture solution.
Soak Your Dentures
The most effective method for maintaining denture cleanliness involves soaking, which aids in eliminating accumulated germs throughout the day. Before overnight soaking, it is advisable to clean the dentures thoroughly using a toothbrush.
Soak the Dentures Overnight
Wearing dentures during sleep poses a swift risk of damage to both the dentures themselves and the gum tissue. The sustained pressure from chewing and prolonged wear throughout the day can harm the gum tissues, potentially leading to various oral health issues.
Rinse Dentures After Eating
Consuming meals with dentures can result in the accumulation of food particles between the artificial teeth, fostering the development of plaque on the tooth surfaces. Failure to promptly address these particles and plaque may escalate the risk of severe gum diseases, such as periodontitis, especially if the plaque solidifies into tartar. To prevent this, it is crucial to rinse the dentures thoroughly after each meal. Contact us for more information about how to maintain your dentures and oral health.
Dental Blog | Dentist Salem, OR | Fairmount Dental Center Fairmount Dental Center has created this dental blog to help patients and the community. Click to learn more about dental procedures, home care and more! Fairmount Dental Center, 1524 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302-4310; (503) 362-8364; fairmountdentalcenter.com; 9/11/2024; Key Phrases: dentist Salem OR;