To stay healthy, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. This is especially true for people with dentures. Dentures may not be natural teeth. But, they still require regular care to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright. Otherwise, you can suffer from several dental issues. If you don’t clean your dentures properly, you may be headed for a long road of health concerns.
The Basics of Denture Care
In order to keep your dentures in good condition, you need to clean them the right way. There are a few basics of denture care. Dentures, whether full or partial, should fit comfortably in your mouth. To ensure they continue to do so, follow these simple steps:
- Daily Cleaning: Just like your natural teeth, dentures need daily cleaning. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a denture brush to remove food particles and plaque.
- Soak Overnight: Remove your dentures at night and place them in a denture-cleaning solution or warm water. This helps to keep them moist and prevents warping.
- Handle with Care: When cleaning your dentures, do so over a soft towel or a basin of water to prevent damage if they slip from your hands.
Why Proper Denture Hygiene Matters
It’s crucial to maintain proper denture hygiene. Neglecting your dentures can lead to various oral health issues.
One of the issues you can encounter is oral infections. Failing to clean your dentures can result in the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. This can lead to oral infections, causing discomfort and bad breath. You may even develop a respiratory infection without clean dentures.
Furthermore, you may irritate the soft tissues of your gums. Ill-fitting or dirty dentures can rub against your gums, causing irritation and soreness. Over time, this can lead to more severe gum issues.
Just like natural teeth, dentures can become stained if not cleaned regularly. Coffee, tea, and certain foods can leave unsightly stains on your dentures. But, cleaning your dentures properly can help avoid a stained smile.
The Dangers of Plaque Buildup
Plaque is not exclusive to natural teeth. It can also build on dentures. This can lead to many dental problems.
Bad breath is a consequence of not cleaning your dentures. Plaque buildup on dentures can result in foul odors. This can interrupt your confidence and even interfere with social interactions.
The bacteria in plaque can cause gum inflammation. If left unchecked, this can also lead to gum disease, which may require extensive treatment.
Excessive plaque can weaken the structure of your dentures over time. As a result, this can make them less durable and comfortable. It can even change the fit of your dentures.
Preventing Denture-Related Problems
To prevent the problems associated with neglected dentures, you can follow proactive steps. Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure your dentures fit well and to address any concerns. Also, clean your dentures daily using a denture cleaner or mild soap. You should also avoid using harsh abrasives or bleach. That is because these can damage the denture material.