Good dental care is so important, particularly to older adults in their dentures. Whether you’re living independently or in assisted living communities, it is key to keep dental health a priority as you get settled into retirement. Knowing how to properly care for your dentures will not only improve your comfort but also enhance your overall health and confidence.
Cleaning Your Dentures Daily
The most important aspect of denture care is maintaining a regular cleaning procedure to avoid bacteria growth and potential oral infections. Daily care of dentures includes brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleanser. Never use regular toothpaste, as it can make tiny scratches for bacteria to live in.
Also, wash your dentures with water after every meal to remove any food particles. With regular denture cleaning, your dentures will manifest better health, so you can have less chance of developing gum disease or bad breath.
Soaking Dentures Overnight
Dentures should be kept moist to hold their shape, so overnight denture solution soaking is advised. Dentures that dry out may change shape, which damages their denture base and causes them to become uncomfortable to wear.
If you use a special denture-soaking solution, it will kill germs and ensure your dentures are ready for use the next day. Always consult with the instructions on the solution package, but never use hot water, as this can damage your dentures.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
If you wear dentures, then it’s still very important to make regular dentist appointments so that your oral health stays in good condition. Your dentist can evaluate the health of your gums and check for signs of irritation, infection, or changes in how your dentures fit.
Your lips might alter the denture’s shape, and you will need your aligners adjusted. Get regular check-ups so that your dentist can professionally clean your dentures and provide specialized advice on caring for them.
Handling Dentures With Care
Dentures are prone to breaks and damage if not handled carefully, which many people do more often than you would believe. When cleaning your dentures, be sure to always hold them over a soft surface, such as a towel or basin of water, to avoid accidental drops that could cause them to crack.
Moreover, do not bend or twist the denture because this may result in micro-injuries. When they are not being employed, they should be kept in a secure place to avoid any wear and tear.
Wrapping Up
Retirement is the time to have clean, healthy, and relatively pain free teeth. Taking care of your dentures properly helps ensure these outcomes.
Simple tips like keeping your dentures clean every day, soaking them overnight in a cleaning solution, and handling them with care during application and removal, as well as regular dental visits, can have a big impact on how they look and feel. Maintaining your dentures will allow you to go about meals, talks, and smiles with pride.