How to Care for Your Gums when Wearing Dentures:
Getting dentures does not mean you can skip good oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help you to take care of your gums when you have dentures.
Keep dentures clean
Things to consider as a denture wearer:
- gum health
- partial dentures or complete dentures
- good oral hygiene
- tartar build up
- cavities
- how to keep dentures clean
- denture repairs
If you use dentures, then you know just how important they are – after all, they are replacements for your teeth. In order to get the most out of them it is important to take proper care to keep them looking their best and to keep your oral health in check. Here are the most important considerations in denture care.
Whether you have full complete dentures or partial dentures knowing how to care for your gums when wearing dentures to keep your gums healthy is essential. There are a couple of things you need to know however depending on whether you have full or partial dentures:
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Full Complete Dentures
Always Clean Your Gums
Even if you no longer have any of your teeth keeping your gums clean is very important for your own health and to make sure that your dentures fit properly.
Did you know that loose dentures not only damage your gums, as there is more friction, but loose dentures also erode the underlying bone causing the bone to shrink therefore reducing facial fullness which also gives your dentures less to grip onto. This is the main reason why so many patients end up using denture fixative (glue). Wearing accurately fitting dentures and having them checked yearly for fit is very important,
Complete Denture Care
2. Partial Dentures
Give your gums time to breathe
If you are wearing dentures and have some of your own teeth it is essential that you have good oral hygiene and your gums are healthy as poor oral hygiene is the main reason for tooth loss. Brushing your teeth for a FULL 2 MINUTES and then flossing daily reduces cavities, reduces tartar and will give you a healthy mouth and gums. Be aware that loose unstable partial dentures can pull your own teeth out, or make then loose so it is essential that your partial denture is comfortable and seated correctly and doesn’t move when eating and it is also important that you have an annual check up with a Clinical Dental Technician.
It is also important to have regular check-ups with a dentist to check on your existing teeth.
Tips for a healthy mouth
After every meal ideally you should remove your dentures and rinse them under warm water, brush off any debris and food particles and rinse your mouth thoroughly. Remember it is always a good idea to have something soft such as a towel underneath just in case you drop your dentures whilst cleaning and they break. Always leave your dentures in water when not in use. The acrylic used in dentures can dry out and lose its properties and become brittle if left in air for long periods of time.
Once a day your dentures should be cleaned with a good denture brush and paste or left to soak in a dental cleaner (especially if you’re a smoker) and rinsed thoroughly before replacing in your mouth.
Should I remove my dentures when going to bed?
This is a question commonly asked and as dental professionals we would never insist any patient should sleep with no teeth in-front of their partner and potentially lose dignity. It’s a personal choice, we would believe it is important to give your gums a rest and would recommend a time in the day, when you’re alone, and if possible remove them for a couple of hours to allow your gums a period of recovery.
Remember also that if your dentures do break or become problematical you should visit a professional denture practice, such as sMiles Better to get them repaired as soon as you can.
For more information call us today on 0161 796 2404