Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
Once you lose most or all of the teeth in a palate, your dentist may prescribe a denture. To help keep your appliance in the best shape possible, it is important to care for it properly.
Here are a few ways to minimize denture damage.
Store the Denture Properly
Dentures should be stored in a liquid whenever they are outside of the mouth. If a denture is allowed to dry out, the resin components of the appliance may become brittle. The device may break, chip, or warp from the dehydration.
Dentures can be stored in an over-the-counter solution designed for denture storage. However, water may be used if a storage solution is unavailable.
Don't Place the Denture in Hot Water
It is often wise to rinse a denture periodically, especially after eating a dark substance that could stain the appliance. However, the water used for rinsing should be cool or warm. Hot water will melt the plastic parts of the denture, leading to a poor fit.
Made from a mold of your oral cavity, a denture is designed to fit the exact contours of your mouth. If the denture does not rest properly against the soft tissues, no suction is produced, and the denture will slip about. Any change in the shape of the denture could result in the device's decreased stability.
Don't Brush Your Denture with Toothpaste
Although toothpaste is appropriate for brushing your teeth, the paste is too abrasive for a denture. The toothpaste will cause tiny grooves and scratches to form on the false teeth of the appliance. These grooves can trap bacteria that could inflame the gums. Additionally, the grooves can increase the denture's susceptibility to staining and make the appliance appear dull.
Instead of toothpaste, you can clean the denture with soap or denture cleaner before rinsing it thoroughly.
Don't Bite on Hard Items
It can be tempting to bite down on a piece of hard candy instead of slowly savoring the treat. However, the bite pressure could damage your denture.
Biting on other hard items, such as fingernails, ice, and pencils should also be avoided. Once the denture is damaged, only a dental professional can properly perform the repair. In addition, if the repair must be performed by a dental laboratory, your denture may be inaccessible for weeks.
To learn more ways to care for your dentures properly, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your area.
Share25 September 2019
