Many Australians are enjoying a new lease of life with full or partial dentures. They've been able to turn their back on years of difficulty when trying to chew their food properly, or may not be embarrassed anymore to smile in public. Whether you have a partial or a full set to look forward to, you need to understand some key factors when it comes to their care. What should you be thinking about as you look forward to your new life?
Key Things to Remember
When you have removable dentures, you have to set aside a certain number of hours in every day in order to allow for some cleaning. Dentists advise that you should soak them in warm water for a period of between six and eight hours. You can add a bit of vinegar to get rid of any stain buildup. When you do this, you're helping to avoid long-term tartar and plaque accumulation, as remember that your mouth always hosts a lot of bacteria. You shouldn't be tempted to clean them with any hard-tipped brushes or any specific types of commercial cleaner, as they can be damaged if you do.
Safety First
Until you get used to it, be very careful when you take your dentures in and out, as it is possible to damage them rather easily. Do so over a sink full of water, or place a soft towel on a flat surface before you attempt to remove.
Gum Massaging
When you are cleaning your dentures, pay particular attention to the area that comes into close contact with the gums. You'll need to be cleaning this area every day so that there is no likelihood of any irritation and consequent infection. Your dentist may be able to provide you with a special kind of cleaning brush for this task.
Other Cleaning Necessities
While your dentures are removed and soaking in their solution, take a soft washcloth and massage the gums for a few minutes at a time. It's a good idea to pay attention to all-around hygiene for longer wear times. If you happen to have partials instead of full dentures, this is the time to clean the remaining teeth and floss comprehensively.
Making Alterations
In the early days of denture wear, it's not unusual for them to change shape as the gum and bone structure within the mouth accommodate. Make a note of this as time goes by and if you think that they are not fitting as well as they should get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible for adjustments to be made.
Keeping an Eye
Finally, always keep up with your appointments and make at least two each year with your dentist, so that you can continue to enjoy your new look and feel well into the future.
