Oral Care for People Using Dentures

 

Introduction

Individuals who have lost their teeth due to gum disease, accidents, or as a result of age often rely on dentures. Just like normal teeth, dentures require care and maintenance for ensuring good oral health. Your oral care routine may be slightly different than your regular oral routine depending on the type of denture you are using.

Types of Dentures

There are three types of dentures commonly used today. Dentists select the best type of dentures based on the number of teeth an individual is missing.  Often dentists recommend partial dentures for one or more missing teeth. Fixed partial dentures, also known as dental bridges, permanently attach to the surrounding natural teeth. Complete dentures replace a complete row of teeth and are placed on the gums. The type of denture you use will determine your type of oral care routine. 

Oral Care and Dentures

Oral care for people using dentures can vary as mentioned above. For those with fixed partial dentures, it is best to continue with your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth regularly, use mouthwash when necessary, and so on. Check out our tips to improve your oral hygiene routine here. There are little to no restrictions with regards to oral care with permanent dentures. Your normal teeth, even if there are only a few left, need a typical oral care routine. Dentists might provide special instruction on cleaning and prescribe a particular type of toothbrush depending on the denture used.

Dentures require regular cleaning just like your teeth. Unsanitary dentures could lead to oral problems and bad breath. Simply remove dentures and clean with a small amount of soap or denture cleaner with a soft-bristled brush. It is not recommended to use toothpaste or a regular toothbrush for cleaning dentures. Using these can scratch the plastic components of the denture. Rinse the denture thoroughly and place it in a clean container wherein it is submerged in water. Make sure that the container is regularly cleaned as well.

Denture Maintenance

Dentures can last for five years or more with proper care and cleaning. Yet, it is important to regularly inspect dentures as well to look for cracks and damages. Cracks can store bacteria or damage the denture further if unattended. Therefore, it is very important not to tamper with your dentures or repair them yourself. Always seek professional services when it comes to repairing or adjusting dentures.

Oral care for people using dentures is very similar to regular oral care. What’s important is to keep up with good oral care for the rest of your teeth? Check out our collection of Arak Sewak oral care products here