Hello there! Dr. Thompson, your local denturist at My Smile Dentistry Brampton. I’ve done hundreds of dentures in my time to restore happy, confident smiles to our patients. But you’d be surprised: most people struggle with keeping dentures in good condition. So today, I wanted to share some common-sense denturist advice on keeping clean, comfortable dentures for the long term.
Daily Cleaning Secrets Your Denturist Wouldn’t Mind Sharing
Now daily cleaning – this is simpler than you think! First of all, always rinse your dentures over a gentle surface like a folded towel or a filled sink. Why? Because dentures can break when they drop out of your hands and land on a hard surface.
Are you brushing your dentures with toothpaste? Many people do, but here’s the rub – regular toothpaste is too abrasive for denture materials. Instead, get yourself a soft-bristled denture brush and some mild soap or a denture cleaner that I can write you a prescription for when you come in for your next appointment.
When you brush, be gentle but thorough. Don’t forget to give special attention to those grooves that sit against your gums – that’s where food and bacteria like to hide. After you’ve brushed, rinse them well with cool water. Hot water? No way – it can warp your dentures!
The Nighttime Routine Every Denturist Recommends
“Should I wear my dentures to bed?” That’s probably the most frequent question that I get as a denturist. My answer is almost always no. Your gum tissues need a break! Taking your dentures out at night gives your mouth time to recover and keeps infections from forming.
When they’re gone, soak them in a good cleaning solution or even plain water. Just remember – never use bleach products unless I’ve specifically indicated that. Bleach will damage metal components and stain that pretty pink acrylic an ugly color.
When to See Your Denturist for Professional Care
Think of your denturist as the best friend of your denture. We should see each other at least once a year! When we do, I can catch problems before they become painful or expensive.
Did you know that we have ultrasonic cleaning equipment with special brushes to get rid of residue that your brush can’t access? I’ll also check how well your dentures fit. Your mouth changes with time, and minor adjustments can equal a huge difference in comfort.
Red Flags That Say “Call Your Denturist Now!”
Between check-ups, watch for danger signs. Are you getting developing sore spots which don’t resolve? Do clicking sounds occur while eating or talking with your dentures? Can you see noticeable cracks or chips?
These issues aren’t going to mend themselves, and do-it-yourself repairs only seem to make things worse. Believe me – I’ve seen some doozies of home repairs over the years that I’ve worked as a denturist! Rather, pick up the phone and call us at 905-457-4445, and we’ll have you set in no time.
Comfort is paramount with dentures. Rinse your mouth before placing them in each morning to eliminate food particles. Don’t forget the insertion technique we learned together? That exact angle avoids pressure points that ruin your day.
Do you use adhesives? These might give you temporary relief, but they are not a permanent solution for loose-fitting dentures. You’re relying on them daily as a crutch, it’s time to book an appointment to get your denturist to adjust some things.
Here’s something that nobody tells you: massage your gums with a soft cloth or clean finger once a day. This causes the circulation, and keeps tissue healthy under dentures.
Speaking and Eating Like a Pro
“I can no longer eat what I want” – I am hearing this grumble from new denture wearers all the time. But with practice and patience, most people get back to enjoying their favorite foods.
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth – this even method prevents your dentures from tipping. Gradually, as you gain confidence, introduce more challenging foods into your diet.
Trouble with certain words? Practice reading out loud a few minutes every day. Even my patients sing in the shower to make it easier for them to speak smoothly with new dentures! Sounds silly, but it does magic for muscle control.
Make Your Dentures Last: A Denturist’s Best Advice
Good dentures are an investment in your health and well-being. To protect that investment, don’t bite down on very hard foods like nuts, hard candy, or ice. And please – never use your dentures to open packages or cut things!
When your dentures are out of your mouth, moisten them. Dry dentures warp and lose their perfect fit. And don’t forget to clean your storage case every day – a clean case prevents bacteria from growing, which can cause infection.
Don’t forget, your My Smile Dentistry denturist is your friend in the maintenance of a healthy, confident smile. We’re always available to answer questions or talk about concerns you might have regarding your dentures. With a little care and regular visits, your dentures can keep you smiling, eating, and talking confidently for many years to come.
Call us at 905-457-4445 – we’d be happy to welcome you to our Brampton location on Queen Street West!
