How to properly maintain dentures? In the event that you must wear a dental prosthesis or what is usually called a “false den”, you have to take care of it delicately, not only to keep it fresh and in good condition, but also to make it last much longer.
Every day, the prostheses are made with an aesthetic very similar to natural teeth and that appearance must be maintained as long as possible. It is worth mentioning that these prostheses are also known as dentures. In fact, they are artificial pieces designed to replace tooth loss.
In other words, they are partial or total prostheses that serve to replace one or more teeth that have been lost, either due to age or other factors. In addition, the implantation of them is essential, since, when dental losses occur and these pieces are not replaced, the remaining teeth can begin to move and lose their alignment and natural position.
Likewise, obstruction problems, inconveniences to eat, in the bite or to carry out a perfect oral hygiene can manifest. This would increase the risk of developing infections or other diseases. However, it is not just putting on a prosthesis and forgetting about it.
Moreover, it has to be cared for and maintained to prevent any of the teeth that hold it from being damaged. As well as, to avoid cavities, infections or that it deteriorates and has to be changed for a new one.
Types of dental prostheses
Currently, there are different types of prostheses, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced or the needs and situation of each patient, which are defined as two types:
- Removable prostheses: as the name implies, they are those dental prostheses that can be removed, that is, the people who wear them can easily remove them whenever they want and put them back on.
- Fixed prostheses: they are prostheses that cannot be removed and once placed can only be removed by the dentist or specialist.
It is necessary to clarify that this classification is very important, since each type of prosthesis requires specific care.
Recommendations to keep your removable prosthesis in good condition
It is essential to know how to care for our removable dental prosthesis, since its care, maintenance and duration will depend on each person. And, to keep it the same as the first day, to prevent the gums and mucous membranes from being damaged and so that the natural teeth that support it are not lost, it is advisable to follow these practical and easy tips.
- It is crucial that when you do not carry the prosthesis, you keep it in a glass of water, so that it does not lose its shape and to avoid any blows, what is more, you can place it alone or with a disinfectant tablet from the pharmacy.
- You must be very careful when washing it, since it is very important that it does not slip from your hands, because it can break and that is why it is recommended to put a cloth under it in case it slips.
- You have to brush it every day before putting it on, after every meal and especially when going to sleep, with a soft bristle brush. In fact, you must do it with a brush and a specific dendritic for dental prostheses and your dentist can recommend the most suitable one.
Since you cannot use a normal toothpaste, because it deteriorates the prosthesis, taking away its natural shine, which promotes porosity and therefore the formation of bacterial plaque. In addition, you also have to brush your gums, tongue and the inside of your mouth and finish with a mouthwash.
- You should put on your denture every day to get used to it and take it off to sleep so your natural teeth can rest. If you feel any discomfort, go to the dentist immediately.
- You have to visit your dentist every six months to check your teeth, gums and your dental prosthesis and ask him about his care.
- If you have a fixed crown or bridge, it would be good if you used specific dental floss for them, apart from the cleaning that you must do in the same way that you do with the prosthesis.
Tips for maintaining your fixed prosthesis
- As in the case of removable prostheses, it is vitally important to brush it daily after each meal, the most important being brushing at night. And you should also remember to brush the rest of your teeth, gums, and tongue.
- It is necessary to clarify that since you cannot remove them to be able to clean them, there will be parts with less accessibility to carry out a correct cleaning and prevent the accumulation of food and plaque, which would generate oral pathologies.
That is why brushing alone is not enough, but you also have to use other means of cleaning, such as interdental brushes, floss or oral irrigators.
- In addition, you have to keep in mind that both prostheses and natural teeth are delicate and can break or deteriorate, therefore, you have to avoid eating very hard or sticky foods.
- You should go for a check-up with your dentist every six months to monitor your prosthesis and the state of your oral health. And in addition, the adjustments that occur with the prosthesis can be made and prevent cavities, infections or other ailments.
Likewise, if you have doubts about the maintenance or care of your dental prosthesis, ask your dentist for advice on the care that is appropriate to your situation.
How to correctly clean your dental prosthesis
Cleaning a removable dental prosthesis is a very simple procedure and you can do it using products that are easily available at any pharmacy. It is very important to point out that just as plaque forms on natural teeth, it does so on prosthetics as well.
Also, if they are not cleaned every day, they can lose their whiteness and shine, as well as generate bad odors. Now, with these simple steps to clean dentures you will maintain good oral health and a healthy smile:
- For safety, clean them over a sink with water, to prevent them from slipping, falling on the floor and breaking.
- Rinse them thoroughly in warm water to remove any remaining food particles.
- Use a denture cleaner, since traditional toothpaste, whiteners, soap, vinegar, are not specific cleaners, and can even damage them. Also, deformities in dentures can harbor odor-causing bacteria, and harsh products like bleach can turn parts of the denture pink.
- You should moisten your denture brush in warm water to clean all its surfaces gently, since if you do it roughly, the plastic or metal parts can deteriorate.
- Before putting your dentures back on, brush your gums, teeth, and tongue thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste, as this will help remove plaque from your teeth, activate blood circulation, and maintain excellent oral health.
- After brushing, use a mouthwash to give your mouth a wonderful fresh feeling.
What can I brush my removable dental prosthesis with?
If you want a perfect cleaning, it is vitally important that you have a special brush for prostheses, which have 2 sides:
The flat-cut brush properly cleans the surface of the denture and the teeth.
The tapered one is for cleaning those hard to reach or small spaces.
Also, to clean your tongue, gums, and natural teeth, it’s a good idea to have a soft-bristled brush with a small head.
In case you think that if you do not have natural teeth, why brush, you are wrong, because that does not mean that you do not have to wash your mouth every day, since, in the same way, you can have food residues and it could generate a serious infection.
If you want more information about dental prosthetics or other treatments, do not hesitate to contact our Maria Cuadrado Clinic, we have an excellent team of specialists trained to perform any type of treatment to give you a healthy and beautiful smile.
