Care of Denture: How to Care for Your Dentures

People can lose their teeth at any age. Sometimes it may be all the teeth or just some of them. The good news, however is that with a few small changes in your oral care routine and diet, you can be confident about living with dentures.

Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.

“People wear dentures to replace lost or missing teeth so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. Dentures are made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal,” said the Oral Health Foundation (OHF).

A dental surgeon and general practitioner in Abuja, Dr Callistus Inwalome, said there are two types of dentures; complete and partial dentures.

He explained that complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

According to Oral Health Foundation (OHF), you wear full dentures to replace all your own teeth, and they fit snugly over your gums. “They will help you to eat comfortably and speak clearly, and will improve your confidence and self-esteem.”

The foundation said partial dentures replace teeth that are missing, and can sometimes be supported by the teeth you have left. “If you have gaps between your teeth, then your other teeth may move to take up some of the space, so you could end up with crooked or tilted teeth. This could affect the way you bite and could damage your other teeth.”

Dr Inwalome said dentures, whether partial or full, require regular, proper care to keep them clean and free from stains and bacteria. “Proper care can keep both your dentures and your mouth in good shape,” he said.

He said dentures should not be worn for 24 hours to keep the mouth from having sores and being inflamed. The dentures must be removed and put in clean water overnight for proper care, he said.

“The denture is supposed to be cleaned after each meal but if not possible, it should be done at least once in a day. Clean your dentures and use a sponge and soap that is not bleaching or detergent soap but preferably mild tablet soap. But if it has acquired some stains over time, it is advisable to take it to the clinic for proper cleaning,” said Dr Inwalome.

The dental surgeon said cleaning helps in removing stains, plaque, food, and other particles, adding that ideally, dentures should be renewed every three to four years for effective use.

Experts at the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) said if you treat your dentures well, they should last several years. However, they said your dentures will need to be relined or re-made because of normal wear, or a change in the shape of your mouth. “Bone and gum ridges can shrink, causing your jaws to meet differently. Loose dentures can cause discomfort, and health problems including sores and infections. A loose or badly fitting denture can also make eating and talking more difficult. It is important to replace worn or badly fitting dentures before they cause problems.”

They also advise that if you wear full dentures, it is important to check with your dental team about how often you should visit.

“With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile,” they said.

* Don’t let dentures dry out – place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you are not wearing them.

* Never use hot water, which can cause dentures to warp.

* Brush your dentures – brushing dentures daily will remove food and dental plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained.

* Take care of your mouth – brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.

* Consult your dentist

See your dentist if dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don’t be tempted to adjust them  yourself, this can damage them beyond repair.