5 Things To Know About Wearing Dentures
From a young age we are constantly informed about how important it is to have excellent oral hygiene, to keep our mouths and teeth healthy. However, even with the best care, losing teeth due to old age, dental disease, or accidents is common. When this happens, making use of dentures is the popular option. These can be either partial, to fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth or, if all your teeth had to be removed, a full set to allow you to eat, drink, smile and converse freely with confidence. There is a common misconception that because dentures are artificial they are simply cosmetic enhancements. This is not true. To be able to derive the maximum benefits from your dentures, you need to understand how to care for them.
Dental Hygiene Is Still Important
Even though they are not natural teeth, dentures still need to be cleaned regularly to keep them looking good and to avoid oral health problems. Dentures should be cleaned as per the advice of a dentist, using a special toothbrush. Dentures get stained easily and will lose their sheen and sparkle. Using a regular toothbrush and toothpaste will not clean them properly and may even cause damage.
Dentures Should Be removed where possible
You should remove your dentures when you do not need to wear them. Prolonged use can place needless pressure on the gums, which could lead to a receding gum condition. If dentures remain in place for too long, they can also cause bad breath. Taking them out will allow your gums to relax. It is advised that you clean your gums and tongue with a soft-bristled brush. Before going to sleep, place your dentures in a glass of clean, fresh water to keep them well lubricated.
Takes time to get used to
When you put on dentures, you are placing something artificial in your mouth. This will feel strange at first, and there could be a possibility of developing mouth sores. You may also salivate more than normal for the first few days. However, your dentist will tell you how to minimise the initial discomfort and avoid sores. Your dentures will soon feel natural and comfortable in your mouth.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
The reason for wearing dentures is to enable you to talk, smile, and eat naturally. However, this is not an automatic process. It may take a few days to get used to the feeling of the dentures. Your dentist will advise you on how to minimise the break-in period.
DENTUREs NEED MAINTENANCE
Once you get used to your dentures, wearing them will be second nature, and you will forget that they are there. Because of the wear that they are subjected to in daily life, dentures need regular maintenance and, at times, repairs and adjustments.
Having comfortable and natural-looking dentures will give you the confidence to smile and, by doing that, enjoy life to the fullest. Book and appointment at De Necker Dentistry to be sure of getting the dentures that are right for you, follow the advice of our dentists, we are the experts who will be able to fit you with the perfect set. At De Necker Dentistry we will be able to give you advice, tailored to your lifestyle, on how to maintain and care for your dentures. We want you to love your smile and get your confidence back.