7 Tips to Follow to Extend the Life of Your Dentures

Trauma, accidents, and dental problems such as tooth decay and infection can cause tooth loss. If you plan to replace your missing teeth with dentures, there are certain things you could do to keep them in good shape for longer. Dentures may be strong, but like regular teeth, their lifespan and health depend on how you care for them. Keeping them clean by brushing regularly is a good way to start but that alone may not be enough to keep them in good shape for an extended period. So, follow the denture care tips we’ll provide in this article to keep your dentures healthy and durable.

Choose the Right Dentures

This might seem obvious, but not everyone makes the right decision when choosing dentures. There are different kinds of dentures, some of superior and others of inferior quality. Some people opt for low-quality dentures since they are cheaper and expect them to serve them for an extended period only for the dental device to break down very early.

We recommend getting dentures from a reputable dentist in Fort Valley, GA, so you don’t end up with low-quality dentures. They might cost more than low-quality ones, but they will be worth it in the end and may even last for 10 years with good aftercare.

Clean Your Dentures Regularly

Treat your dentures the same way you treat your natural teeth. Just because dentures are artificial teeth does not mean you don’t have to clean them daily. Failing to do so will invite other dental problems like tooth decay or infection as plaque and bacteria build-up and spread to adjacent natural teeth. In addition to that, not practicing good oral hygiene may also cause dental stains and lead to chronic bad breath.

Cleaning your dentures is relatively easy; take them off before sleeping and leave them in a denture solution to soak overnight. Then, after waking up in the morning, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures to eliminate any food particles or bacteria present.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Your dental health is also vital as it can affect the state of your dentures. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, bacteria can build up and hide in areas where the toothbrush may not be able to reach. Because of that, we also recommend visiting a dentist near you for regular dental cleaning. If you fail to keep your mouth clean and end up with gum disease, the infection can spread to your jaws and cause bone loss.

Severe loss of jawbone tissue can alter the jawbone’s shape, forcing you to replace your dentures regularly so they can fit correctly. So why not prevent that from happening? Practice good dental hygiene to prevent bone deterioration and save the time and money you could have spent replacing your dentures.

Carefully Handle Your Dentures

One of the most common mistake people with dentures make is mishandling their dentures. Dentures are strong but not indestructible. Dropping your dentures on the table or sink can cause them to fracture or break. You may also become clumsy and accidentally drop your dentures on the floor. To prevent your dentures from damage, ensure you fold them with a towel or any other thick clothing so they don’t break after a fall. Also, watch where you step and gently place them on the sink instead of dropping them.

Don’t Expose Your Dentures to Hot Water

Some people may think placing their dentures in hot water will help get rid of germs and bacteria. However, we highly advise against it as it does more harm than good. Exposing your dentures to high temperatures, such as hot water, may cause them to warp. The damage may not be easy to see at first, but the effects will slowly start to show with time, forcing you to replace them earlier than expected.

Use the Right Amount of Adhesive

Denture adhesive serves as a bridge that bonds your dentures to your gums. This adhesive is essential, especially for lower dentures. Unfortunately, some patients get tempted to apply excess adhesive with the hope that it will provide a tighter grip. However, we don’t encourage it as this will not improve the grip but instead cause other problems. If your dentures don’t fit well and are uncomfortable to wear, visit our dental clinic in Fort Valley for assistance.

Go for Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are the best way to monitor your dentures so they can serve you for an extended period. During a dental checkup, we will inspect your dentures for wear and damage and check your gums and teeth for signs of dental problems. Regularly checking your gums for infection is essential as patients with dentures are at more risk of gum disease, especially if they don’t practice good oral hygiene.

Conclusion

The best way to extend the life of your dentures is to practice good aftercare. Follow the denture care tips we provide to keep your dentures healthy so they may serve you for an extended period. If you have missing teeth and wish to replace them with dentures, visit Whitaker Family Dentistry for the best dentures in Fort Valley, GA. We only use high-quality dental devices to ensure our patients maintain a long-lasting aesthetic smile.