How to Take Care of Your Dentures

Getting dentures can be really exciting, especially if you've had a lot of problems with your natural teeth. However, caring for dentures is a little different from caring for natural teeth, and there are a few things you should keep in mind so that you can take the best care possible of your new dentures.

Clean Your Dentures Thoroughly

You should be cleaning your dentures every day, and maybe include an extra cleaning if food is in your dentures or if you ate something particularly sticky. The Oral Health Foundation explains exactly how to clean your dentures, explaining that you should use a soft brush and a special denture-cleaning solution (not toothpaste) to brush and clean your dentures. You should then soak the dentures in a denture solution to ensure they're clean and hygienic. If you aren't sure how to brush your dentures or need product recommendations, ask your dentist. Don't forget you still need to clean your mouth, gently brushing your gums and tongue.

Attend Regular Dentist Appointments

You might think you don't need to see the dentist regularly without natural teeth, but this isn't the case. Your dentist will be able to check the health of your mouth and gums, which is important as early signs of oral cancer can show up in the mouth. They'll also be able to see if your gums are irritated or rubbed by your dentures, allowing them to adjust the fit as necessary. They will also be able to take a look at your dentures, clean and repair them if necessary, and give you any advice you need on wearing dentures. Make sure you book regular appointments, which you can bring forward if you experience any pain or issues with your dentures.

Be Careful When Eating and Drinking

Eating with dentures shouldn't be difficult or painful, but there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing meals. For the first few days, you might want to stick to soft foods like rice, soups, and yoghurts, while your gums adjust to your dentures. After that, you can eat most foods, but you may want to avoid very crunchy, chewy, or hard foods, such as popcorn kernels, gummy sweets, and steak. Your dentist will be able to give specific advice on what you should avoid eating. You should also keep in mind that fizzy drinks, tea, and coffee can stain dentures over time, leading to the need for a professional cleaning.

By cleaning your dentures on a daily basis, attending regular appointments with your dentist, and being careful about what you eat, you can easily take great care of your dentures and ensure that they last for a long time.