How to Care for Dentures
Wearing dentures can take some getting used to. Whether you have a partial denture or you’re undergoing complete tooth replacement, Cincinnati dentists Dr. Gary Hardin and Dr. Tara Hardin can help you get acclimated to the prosthesis so you can comfortably enjoy your new smile.
Dentures are custom made to look and feel as much as possible like natural teeth. They are also designed to be strong enough to withstand normal bite and chewing forces, but dentures aren’t indestructible.
Much like real teeth, dentures look, fit, and function their best when they are well-maintained. Steps you can take to keep your dentures clean and intact include:
- Cleaning dentures with a soft-bristled brush and soap – don’t use toothpaste or other abrasive materials, as these could damage the denture
- Washing off dentures after meals
- Soaking them in water or a cleaning solution overnight
- Keeping regular appointments with the dentist – Dr. Tara and Dr. Gary will check to make sure the dentures are intact and fit comfortably, and the soft tissues in your mouth are healthy
Simply because patients with dentures are missing some or all of their teeth doesn’t mean they can stop practicing good oral hygiene. You should still brush any natural teeth you still have, as well as the gums, tongue, and the inside of your mouth.
Whenever the denture is out of your mouth, take extra care when handling it. Dropping the prosthesis on the floor could easily break it, while attempting to manipulate the shape by hand could affect the way dentures fit in your mouth.
If you break or damage your dentures, or you have other questions about tooth replacement, please call Hardin Advanced Dentistry at (513) 398-4448 today. Dr. Tara and Dr. Gary welcome patients in the Greater Cincinnati, Mason, and Dayton areas of Ohio, as well as Northern Kentucky and SE Indiana.
