According to estimates, about 75% of seniors aged 60 and older have only a portion of their natural teeth. Dentures are used to replace missing teeth, most commonly by the elderly, or by those looking for the replacement of teeth for aesthetic reasons.
There are two kinds of dentures available; partial and complete. Patients require partial dentures only when a few of the natural teeth are missing.
Complete dentures, on the other hand, are necessary when all of the patient’s teeth may have fallen out—a condition prevalent among the elderly.
Why Regular Cleaning Of Dentures Is Important
Food remnants accumulate in the dentures as you eat. If these remnants aren’t cleaned, it can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and as a result, various oral problems.
As food particles get trapped in the dentures, they turn rancid over time and cause bad breath. Moreover, food build-up on your dentures can cause inflammation in the gums, since the bacteria feeding on the food particles can move freely to your gums. If the situation is neglected long enough, the inflammation can develop into mouth sores or periodontal gum disease.
Moreover, the American Academy of Family Physicians reports a close connection between chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and bad oral health.
Therefore, keeping your dentures clean is crucial to maintaining your oral hygiene and keeping chronic illnesses at bay.
How To Care For Your Dentures
Here are a few tips to care for your dentures:
· Ask your dentist to recommend you a good denture cleaner. Opt for cleaners that have the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
· When you’re cleaning your dentures, make sure you stand over folded towels or a sink filled with water to avoid damaging the denture in case you drop it.
· Avoid using toothpaste for cleaning the dentures as they can be harsh on the dentures.
· Some people also use a mild soap or dishwashing liquid to clean their dentures. While these are acceptable, many cleaners are abrasive and can damage the dentures.
· Brush your dentures every day to remove plaque and food deposits and to prevent them from getting stained.
· It’s recommended to use custom-designed toothbrushes to clean your dentures. These brushes have bristles that are made to suit the denture’s shape. However, you can also use a soft-bristled brush.
· Use a moist brush and gentle strokes while cleaning the dentures to prevent damaging the attachments or plastic.
· Place your dentures in water or a soaking solution at night to help maintain its shape.
· Before using the dentures next morning, rinse them thoroughly.
At Advanced Dental Center, our experienced dentists utilize advanced tools to provide our patients with quality dentistry services. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
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