If you use dentures and put them in a glass of water every night, you are making a big mistake. Firstly, this causes it to deteriorate more quickly and thus exposes you to additional costs. Secondly, a poorly clean denture and the bacteria on it can cause gum disease. So how do you take care of your dentures? Here are 5 basic rules.
And if you are just considering dentures we recommend our article "Dentures in the UK - types and prices". Should you have any further questions contact usand now let's get down to business.
Badly cleaned denture - consequences
Most dentures are made of acrylic. This plastic is porous, so that if it is in a moist environment - a glass of water - fungi, mainly yeasts, quickly nest in the denture. These spread throughout the mouth and cause fungal infections which, if left untreated, put the whole body at risk.
On the denture, as on the teeth, deposits accumulate from coffee, tea, food residues and tartar build up. This causes the denture to wear down more quickly, but also has further health consequences, including gum disease, including periodontitis. This, if left untreated, can end up with the remaining teeth becoming loose and falling out. You can read more about this in our article "Modern periodontitis treatment in the UK with Vector Paro Pro", and if you have any further questions please contact us.
In addition, unremoved food residues and accumulated bacteria on the denture cause unpleasant mouth odour, but also alter the taste of food.
So how do you look after your dentures? Here are 5 basic rules you should follow if you want to keep your dentures in the best possible condition for as long as possible and not expose yourself to additional treatment costs and pain.
1. how to care for dentures - just like teeth
If you have removable dentures you should remove and clean them after every meal. Note that the necessary minimum is twice a day.
For this purpose, it is best to use, dedicated to the dentures, double-sided brushes. These will enable you to reach hard-to-reach areas.
Important! Some polishes contain abrasive substances, which can damage the denture. The denture then becomes rough and deposits form more quickly. Therefore, it is best to choose a paste designed for denture cleaning. You should be able to buy them at any pharmacy.
Dentures should be brushed as you would normally brush your teeth, i.e. for a minimum of 3 minutes thoroughly cleaning the entire surface of the denture.
2. Remove dentures overnight
We recommend that you remove your dentures overnight for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours. This will help you avoid inflammation of the mucous membrane. In addition, we produce less saliva at night, making it easier for bacteria to settle on the denture.
Dentures can also become loose during sleep and irritate the mucosa. As a result, aphthae and ulcers can form.
3. a special container instead of a glass of water
If you want to take proper care of your dentures you should not only remove them at night, but also store them properly.
To this end, once you have removed and cleaned your denture, you should dry it and store it in a sealed box. It is important that it has openings. This will ensure air flow and evaporation of residual water from the denture.
4. dentures are not everything
It is not enough just to look after your denture. If it is partial, you need to remember the remaining teeth, their regular brushing and flossing and hygienization at the dentist's office. This should take place at least once every six months.
And don't forget to clean up your tongue thoroughly. This also applies to people who have full dentures. The tongue is best cleaned with a special toothbrush, and use mouthwash or water to help rinse away food residue.
5. To look after your dentures, visit your dentist regularly
Some people forget about the dentist after receiving dentures. This is a big mistake. Whether you have a partial or full denture regular visits to the dentist are essential.
Firstly, the dentist will make sure that there are no worrying changes in the mouth. Whether the teeth need treatment or one of the gum diseases has started. He or she may also recommend replacing dentures if, for example, there has been a change in the shape of the alveolar processes.
If you remember to look after your dentures they will last for years. And you will be able to enjoy a beautiful smile, eat the foods you want and not worry about the additional, unplanned costs of replacing your dentures.
Denture replacement by instalments
If your denture needs replacing - come to us. We make both partial and complete dentures. Our practice also offers flexible dentures made of polyamide, which significantly improves aesthetics and wearing comfort.
Importantly, you can spread the full cost of your treatment and prosthetics in instalments. The first 12 months are zero interest, so you only pay back the amount you spent.
Our installment system is 100% secure and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628). For more information, see the article "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase". You can also always reach us write or call.