Losing your natural teeth can be scary. But thanks to advancements in technology, more people than ever before are opting for dentures to restore a confident smile.
The right team of denture experts, such as our team at Hillhurst Denture Clinic, can provide outstanding dentures and dental care that will help you achieve a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Getting dentures, however, does not eliminate oral hygiene from your nightly routine.
In fact, gum care with dentures is essential for maintaining their longevity and preventing any potential complications. Here are five easy ways you can ensure that your dentures last as long as possible and keep them looking like new.
Let’s get started!
1. Keep Your Dentures Clean
Just like you would with real teeth, it’s necessary to clean and brush your dentures every day. This will help keep bacteria from building up on the surface of the dental prosthesis and will also help remove any food particles that may have become stuck between the denture and gum tissue.
This is perhaps the most crucial tip for gum care with dentures, so make sure you brush yours regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser designed specifically for these devices. Make sure to rinse them off after cleaning and soak them overnight in a cleanser solution.
2. Visit Your Denturist Regularly
Regular visits to your denturist are a must for anyone wearing dentures—especially when it comes to keeping gums healthy. This could save you time and money in the long run, as well as reduce the discomfort caused by dental issues such as gum disease.
Regular check-ups can also help prevent problems like ill-fitting dentures that cause discomfort and make it difficult to eat or speak normally. Moreover, regular visits give your denturist a chance to adjust the fit of your dentures or make minor repairs if necessary.
This helps keep them comfortable and secure so you can feel confident when you smile and talk. So, if you haven’t seen your denturist in a while, it’s time to schedule an appointment and get back on track with your oral health.
3. Limit Hard Foods
While it’s hard to avoid completely, you should be aware that eating crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods with your dentures can damage them over time.
This is because these foods put extra stress on your gums, which could cause irritation and inflammation if done too often.
Whenever possible, stick with softer items such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and oatmeal when wearing dentures. This will help prevent discomfort and keep your gums healthy.
4. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health, but it’s also especially harmful to gum health when wearing dentures. The toxins in cigarette smoke can irritate and damage gum tissue, making it more prone to infection.
Smoking has been linked to many periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can be very damaging to the gums.
When you smoke, the chemicals found in cigarette smoke enter your mouth and adhere to your teeth and gum tissue. This can cause inflammation of the soft tissues around your teeth, leading to irritation and soreness in your gums.
5. Give Your Gums a Break
In order to keep your gums healthy and comfortable, ensure that you take regular breaks from wearing your dentures to prevent irritation and inflammation. It’s advisable to remove your dentures at least every 6-8 hours during the day.
You should also take out your dentures every night and soak them in a clean solution. This will give your gums the opportunity to relax, reducing any tender areas. Not wearing dentures overnight may also help reduce bacteria growth and improve saliva flow, decreasing the chance of gum infection.
Final Thoughts
Gum care with dentures is essential for maintaining oral health. With these 5 easy tips, you can enjoy a happy smile for years to come!
Regular check-ups and cleanings are crucial for all denture wearers, regardless of their condition. With over 60 years of experience, Hillhurst Denture Clinic provides the finest denture care available.
Whether you need complete or partial dentures, our in-house lab ensures you get the right fit at the earliest possible time. Schedule a free consultation with one of our professional denturists today.
