Living Life to the Fullest with Dentures: Tips for Maintaining Comfort and Functionality
Roughly 19% of the population in 19 countries wear some kind of denture. These dentures are essential for improving the quality of life for people who have lost multiple teeth. The loss of those teeth can make it difficult to speak, eat, and even smile.
However, dentures are not permanent replacements for lost teeth. They must be cared for to keep them fully functional and looking their best.
Here are some denture tips and tricks on how to maintain comfort and functionality when using dentures.
Know Your Type of Dentures
The first thing you may want to know is your options for dentures. There are two main types available: complete dentures and partial dentures.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth in your upper and lower jaw. Older individuals most often wear these due to the number of teeth they've lost over the years.
Partial dentures fill in gaps where some natural teeth remain. These are most commonly used by anyone who has lost a noticeable amount of teeth due to an accident or dental issues.
Dentures Maintenance Tips
While a person cleans a dental implant much like their other teeth, denture care solutions require unique tools and cleaning products. Your oral hygiene routine will look distinctly different and may require some planning ahead of time.
Clean Dentures Daily
To begin with, you'll want to clean your dentures multiple times daily.
Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the surface and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste and more firm toothbrushes can be too harsh and cause damage.
Rinse your dentures with water after meals to remove food particles. This will also help prevent staining, which may happen with certain foods and drinks.
Soak Overnight
Unlike dental implants, dentures do not stay in your mouth at all times. When you go to bed, you must remove them and soak them in water or a mild denture-soaking solution.
This helps them retain their shape and prevent drying out. It also helps you avoid irritation from wearing them overnight.
Do not use hot water when you soak the dentures, as that can warp the material. Replace the water or solution every day.
Handle With Care
Always clean your dentures over a sink filled with water or a soft towel to cushion any fall. If they ever feel uncomfortable in your mouth or loose, consult your dentist as soon as possible. Do not force them into place or cause yourself unnecessary pain.
Denture Comfort Tips
Knowing how to take care of your dentures is only part of the process. You also need to make sure that they fit well, stay in your mouth, and don't cause any problems. These are all factors that should be addressed in a visit to your dentist.
Proper Fit
At your regular dental visits, it's important to ensure that your dentures fit correctly. It's possible for your gums and bones to shift or change, affecting the fit. You may also cause damage to your dentures if they're stored incorrectly.
Never try to adjust them yourself. Always rely on your dentist to do it.
Denture Adhesives
Dental adhesives provide additional stability and help keep your dentures in place. While they aren't always necessary, they can prevent accidents.
Apply a small layer of the adhesive as directed. Avoid putting too much, as it can make cleaning your dentures more difficult.
Address Sore Spots
Always treat sore spots or pressure points in your mouth as a concern and visit your dentist for advice. It could be anything from a canker sore to irritation from your dentures.
Your dentist can adjust the dentures to relieve these areas. At home, you can use saltwater rinses to soothe sore spots and reduce inflammation.
Try not to avoid wearing your dentures for too long, as you don't want your gums and bones to shift around.
Functional Dentures Care
Living with dentures means walking around with them, speaking, eating, and keeping them clean. They aren't a perfect replacement for your teeth, so it'll take some adjusting before you can get used to them.
Speaking
One of the biggest fears people may have when getting new dentures is that they will affect how they talk or sound. Your dentures may click when you talk or affect how the muscles in your mouth move. There's also the worst fear of them falling out when you laugh.
Clicking can happen if your mouth hasn't adjusted to the dentures yet. It can help to talk slower to get used to them.
If you have trouble pronouncing certain words, it may help you practice your pronunciation. Your dentures shouldn't otherwise get in the way of your speech.
Eating
New denture users may also struggle with eating. Begin slowly with soft foods cut into smaller pieces. Chew slowly and evenly to establish a normal rhythm.
Avoid anything sticky or hard that may require excessive chewing. These may dislodge your dentures or even damage them.
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and help with swallowing.
Oral Hygiene
Always make sure to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth before inserting your dentures. This can help prevent bacteria from forming beneath them throughout the day.
Continue your regular dental check-ups to monitor your oral health and maintain your dentures. Just because you no longer have real teeth doesn't mean you can ignore your oral hygiene.
Learn All the Denture Tips and Tricks
It'll take time to learn the denture tips and tricks that make daily life much easier. However, it's worth the time and effort to get fitted. Dentures will allow you to smile brighter, eat better, and live with more confidence.
Roanoke Dental Care offers a wide range of dental care in a low-stress environment to the Roanoke Community. We perform oral exams, white fillings, dental cleanings, restorative dentistry, and more for our patients. Schedule your consultation today and take advantage of our new patient special.
