subject: Regular Denture Care Is Essential To Oral Health [print this page] When a denture is removed for the first time, it must be rinsed it after every meal and snack, then put back in the mouth. The denture should be left in the mouth at all times except for cleaning. Patients should avoid all forms of mouthwash for five days unless instructed otherwise by their dentist. Instead of mouthwash, dentists recommend a warm, salt water rinse.
Cleaning is an integral part of regular denture care. To clean a denture, fill the sink partially with water and dishwashing detergent. Use a special denture brush to clean the inside and outside of the denture in this water. A regular toothbrush should never be used on dentures because it is too abrasive. After the gums have healed, patients can use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean the gumline.
Beginning on the sixth day after receiving immediate dentures, dentures should be taken out every night. While the person sleeps, the dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser and allowed to soak. In those rare cases where a patient has to leave their dentures in while sleeping, there will be a higher risk for oral yeast infections. Patients at risk should discuss with their dentists additional strategies to keep oral tissues healthy if this is the case.
Standard dental care is mandatory for regular denture care. Many people assume that after losing their natural teeth, they will never have to go to the dentist again. This is a dangerous myth. The supporting tissues that underlie the dentures will change over the course of your lifetime. The greatest change will be noticed during the first 6 months - 1 year after the removal of your natural teeth.
When the change is very significant, the dentist may call an immediate denture a temporary denture. This means that the patient will get a totally new denture once the healing process is complete.
At other times, the denture will need to be relined. Relinement involves adding new material to the denture so it maintains contact with the gums and conforms to the shape of your mouth.
The dentist may also place a tissue conditioner, which is a temporary soft liner, in the denture. This remains in place until healing is complete. It can be changed at different times as the gums shrink, so the patient stays comfortable for the duration of the healing process.
Gums will shrink continue over the course of a lifetime. People almost never notice this until great damage has been done, and you may require surgery. This is why it is so necessary to see a dentist regularly so he or she can examine your gums and detect problems early on.
The dentist will also closely observe gum and mouth tissues for signs of oral cancer. Nearly half of the oral cancers diagnosed in North America occur in people that have dentures.
Myths about regular denture care abound. Although well-intentioned friends and relatives are always there to offer unsolicited advice, what they recommend usually results in damage to dentures and tissues, not benefit. Every individual is very different, and what may work for some may create problems for others.
Never listen to anyone but your dentist, and never adjust your denture yourself. A minor alteration might be very expensive to correct. Your dental staff is trained to give you the best advice based on your unique needs.
