When you’re missing your natural teeth, it is much more challenging to do everyday tasks. Biting and chewing becomes more problematic, speaking becomes more troublesome, and smiling becomes more embarrassing. But, a qualified restorative dentist can help make your life easier by providing you with tailor-made dentures.
At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her team take pride in helping patients restore their smiles. If you’re living with tooth loss, then ask our team how we can help you reclaim your smile and oral health now. Patients can request an appointment here, or they may call our Austin, TX, dental office at (512) 346-4690.
If you are new to dentures, then you might be wondering: How do I clean my dentures? Here, Dr. Ragsdale and her team explore four tips for proper dentures care.
1. Rinse Dentures Between Snacks and Meals
Although dentures are false teeth, it’s still important to care for them as if they are natural teeth. This will prevent bacterial buildup from forming on the appliance, as well as prevent oral infections and disease.
Therefore, Dr. Ragsdale recommends removing oral appliances after eating and rinsing them with lukewarm water. This washes away food debris and bacteria, which keeps patients’ smiles healthier and their breath fresher.
2. Don’t Forget to Brush
Brushing dentures at least once daily is a must. Using a soft-bristled brush, a non-whitening toothpaste or denture cleanser, and lukewarm water is enough to clean oral appliances after a full day of wear.
However, patients should take special care to avoid overly hot water or abrasive toothpastes (like whitening toothpastes). Hot water can warp and damage oral appliances, and abrasive toothpastes can leave behind micro-scratches that collect harmful bacteria.
But, don’t forget to brush the mouth, too! Patients should still continue to gently brush their gums, tongue, and cheeks with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help remove denture adhesive, food debris, and bacteria from the mouth, which keeps smiles healthy and happy.
3. Soak Dentures Overnight
The materials that dental professionals use to create dentures require moisture to retain their shape. Letting oral appliances get dry could lead to cracks and warping, making denture wear more uncomfortable or even impossible.
So, when patients remove their dentures at night, they should soak them in a gentle soaking solution. Dr. Ragsdale recommends using products that have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.
The ADA seal of acceptance has been the most trusted symbol of product effectiveness and safety for almost a century. Use this link to research dentures products that are safe and gentle enough to use on oral appliances.
4. Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Visiting our Austin dentist will help you keep your mouth and dentures healthy and functional for years to come. We recommend seeing Dr. Ragsdale at least every six months to check the fit and feel of dentures, as well as to monitor your oral health.
Need dentures? Call us today!
If you’re ready to explore dentures, then it’s time to call Austin Laser Dentist. Dr. Ragsdale and our dedicated team will help you get the healthy and functional smile you deserve.
Getting started is easy–simply send us a message here, or call our Austin dental office at (512) 346-4690.
