Nearly 25 percent of adults older than the age of 65 have total tooth loss, according to the Academy of Periodontology. And many more have lost at least some of their teeth. Dentures and partial dentures are removable tooth replacement options for individuals with missing teeth. It's important to care for dentures properly as improper use or neglect may cause gum problems, bad breath, denture staining or expensive denture repair costs.
Denture Changes
Be aware of denture changes. Everyone's mouth changes over time and dentures that once fit perfectly may feel loose after awhile. An adjustment period for new dentures is expected, but if dentures or partials feel loose or rub and irritate particular areas of the mouth, a dentist should be consulted for an adjustment or refitting. Improperly fitted dentures may damage the dentures, cause mouth sores or lead to infection.
Damage
Check for damage. Dentures may become damaged or break when they get dropped, or chips may occur when biting into particularly hard foods. Take damaged dentures to your dentist for repair as trying to fix them at home may result in more damage, which can be costly.
Proper Chewing
Try to chew with both sides of the mouth equally. Not only will this practice help dentures stay aligned, it can protect bones and gums from potential problems. The front teeth on dentures are not designed for chewing and it's advisable to move food to the back of the dentures for grinding and chewing. It's also best to avoid hard sticky foods, such as taffy or caramel, as they may adhere to the dentures.
Rest Periods
Remove the dentures at night for better gum health. During the initial adjustment period for new dentures, a dentist may advise keeping them in for longer periods, but be sure to remove them nightly after that to rest the gums and possibly lessen gum shrinkage.
Cleaning
Clean dentures and partials daily. Remove and brush the dentures once or twice a day using a toothbrush and cleanser designed for dentures. Cleansers that require soaking for a period of time may help reduce staining, but the dentures still require daily cleaning with a toothbrush to remove food particles and prevent build-up. Avoid steaming or cleaning dentures and partials in hot water as they may warp.
Storing Dentures
Store the dentures in water when they are not worn. When the dentures get too dried out, they can change shape. Tablets made specifically to freshen and whiten dentures may be placed in the water before storage. The ideal place to keep unworn dentures is in a cup made for dentures; many of the cups come with fitted lids to prevent debris from entering the cup and prevent damage from spills. Speak with a dentist before soaking partial dentures that have metal clasps as soaking may tarnish the metal.
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