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Denture After Care Guide

Many people find it difficult to know how to properly care for their dentures after receiving them.

Investing in a new smile but being uncertain about how to take care of it may be very frustrating. Dentures can become damaged or uncomfortable if not given the required care and attention, which can cause needless stress and trouble.

Dentures need to be cleaned every day to get rid of food particles and stop plaque buildup, just like natural teeth do. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean them.

Why Is After Care Important After Dentures?

After getting dentures, it's crucial to take proper care of them to ensure they last for a long time. Just like natural teeth, immediate dentures require frequent cleaning and care to stay in good condition.

By following denture aftercare and guidelines, you can prevent any potential damage or discomfort that may arise from improper care. Moreover, poor denture aftercare can lead to oral health issues such as bad breath, gum irritation, and infections.

So, it's important to prioritise aftercare to maintain not only remove the denture and appearance but also the overall health of soft tissues in your mouth.

How Do You Take Care of Your Teeth After Dentures?

After receiving your dentures, you will need to follow some immediate post-treatment care and longer term care instructions to ensure proper healing and adjust to the new oral appliances.

Immediate Post Treatment Care

Rinse your mouth: After treatment, you may be tempted to check your new dentures immediately. For the first time, wait 24 hours before removing them. In the meantime, rinse your jaws with warm salt water to relieve gum discomfort.

Handle with care: When you start removing your dentures, be gentle. Dentures are fragile and can crack easily if fallen. Always fill the sink with water or place a folded towel at the bottom when handling your dentures over a hard surface.

Monitor for excessive bleeding or swelling: A small amount of bleeding and swelling after denture placement is normal. However, if you experience excessive bleeding or swelling, contact your dentist immediately.

Clean your dentures every day: Just like real teeth, dentures need to be washed every day to get rid of food bits and stop plaque from building up.Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean them.

Longer Term Care

Take out your teeth at night: To give your mouth a break, take them out before bed and soak them in water or a denture cleaner. This relieves gums and reduces infection risk.

Cleanse your mouth and gums: Use a gentle toothbrush or gauze to clean your mouth and gums after removing your dentures. This helps remove plaque and prevent bad breath.

Visit your dentist regularly: Even with dentures, you need frequent dental checkups. Let your dentist evaluate and adjust your dentures' fit and contour.

Replace dentures every few years: Dentures may wear out or fit poorly. To ensure fit and function, replace them every five to seven years.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Handling Dentures

You may increase the effectiveness of your denture care routine and help your dentures last longer by avoiding certain problems. Let's examine some typical errors and how to prevent them.

Don't ignore your gums: Even if you wear complete dentures, it's important to check your gums. Make sure to gently clean your gums once a day with a washcloth or a soft toothbrush to keep them healthy.

Avoid physical damage: Dentures can be quite delicate, and dropping them can result in fractures or chips. Always handle your dentures over a towel or a sink filled with water to control harm in case they fall.

Beware of DIY adjustments: You might be tempted to adjust your dentures yourself if they're uncomfortable or not fitting correctly. However, it's best to avoid this and seek help from your dentist. DIY adjustments can harm your dentures and your oral health.

Signs That You Should Visit Your Dentist

Knowing when to see your dentist can help you address new denture issues promptly. Here are a few signs to watch out for new dentures:

Persistent Discomfort or Pain

When you first receive your dentures, some soreness, swelling, or discomfort is normal; however, persistent soreness, swelling, or discomfort suggests a possible issue. If you experience persistent pain, you should schedule a visit with your dentist.

Changes in Fit

Your gums and jawbone may naturally alter over time, which could explain why your dentures may not fit as well as they once did. Visit your dentist for adjustments if you notice any changes. Don't disregard these changes.

Damaged Dentures

If you wear dentures that are chipped, cracked, bleeding or have loose teeth, it's crucial to get them repaired right away. Wearing damaged dentures can cause further oral issues.

How to Deal with Common Denture Problems

One common issue you might face with your dentures is discomfort or soreness, especially in the initial phase of adjustment. This pain can be caused by several aspects, such as an improper fit, sharp edges, or lack of customisation to your mouth's structure.

If you experience this, don't panic! A simple adjustment with your dentist should sort the rest of it. Another common problem is the staining of dentures. Similar to real teeth, coffee, tea, red wine, and some meals can discolour dentures.

It's essential to use a good denture care and cleanser and a soft-bristled brush to clean your dentures every day in order to prevent this.

Can I Use Normal Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?

No, it's not recommended to use regular toothpaste on dentures. Most toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can damage the material of your dentures and lead to scratches or wear down the denture adhesive surface.

Instead, opt for a mild soap or specialised denture cleaner specifically designed for cleaning dentures. You should also use a soft-bristled denture brush and avoid hot or warm water only, which can warp your dentures.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain the longevity and comfort of your dentures.

How Long Will My Dentures Last?

The lifespan of your dentures depends heavily on your care routine. A well-maintained denture should last 5-10 years. This timeline depends on your oral health, denture fit, and usage of immediate dentures.

Remember that even with proper care, your mouth may change over time, requiring new denture adjustments or replacements. Hence, regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to confirm your dentures continue to fit well and in top situations.

How Can I Prevent My Dentures From Staining?

To minimise staining on your dentures, it's crucial to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, ensure you rinse your mouth and dentures after consuming foods or drinks known to cause colours, such as coffee, tea, or red wine.

Secondly, clean your dentures daily with a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Not only does this help avoid stains, but it also controls the build-up of plaque and tartar.

Thirdly, consider soaking your dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution. This can help to remove stains and keep your dentures fresh.

How Often Should I Clean My Dentures?

Just like you should brush your natural teeth every day, you should also clean your dentures. Dentures should ideally be cleaned in the morning and at night twice a day. This procedure helps to lose particles of food, plaque, and bacteria, preventing bad breath and potential gum disease.

In addition, if you indulge in staining foods or drinks, consider denture cleansers immediately before eating and 24 hours after consumption to prevent discolouration.

Final Thoughts

After completing your Invisalign treatment, it's essential to take good care of your retainers and follow a proper invisalign aftercare routine. 

This entails routinely washing and soaking your retainers, abstaining from particular meals and routines, practising good mouth hygiene, and discussing any concerns you may have with your orthodontist.

Remember that any adjustments or problems need to be resolved right away to minimise any dangers or obstacles. You may keep your Invisalign therapy results and enjoy a fresh, healthy smile for years with proper care and follow-up. We hope it helps you on your journey towards a beautiful and confident smile!

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