If you’ve recently had dentures or a dental implant procedure done it’s important to know how to care for them. Both dentures and dental implants require cleaning on a regular basis so we’ll break down the basics for both. If you’re trying to decide between the two and maintenance is on your pros and cons list, this may help you decide.
Dentures, like natural teeth, require proper care and maintenance for many reasons from preventing bad breath to even preventing oral disease. First of all, the importance of rinsing them in hot water can’t be over-stressed. Make sure to place them in a cup of warm water for about five minutes before rinsing them in hot water. This will help break up the food particle build up that can decompose and cause bad breath. Using a denture brush is the best way to clean the dentures. These can be bought anywhere toothbrushes are sold but be sure to differentiate between the two.
The American Dental Association also recommends using a separate toothbrush to clean your remaining teeth. Also, keep in mind to only clean your dentures with cleaning products made for dentures. Normal toothpaste, baking soda and other products that aren’t designed for dentures can scratch or damage them. Be sure to clean you dentures every night, just as you would your regular teeth, but be sure not to use the abrasive pastes or powders because particles can become stuck in the scratches these substances can cause.
Most importantly, be sure to see your dentist often to have your dentures realigned or repaired. Also, every few years the plates will have to be replaced.
Because implants are a surgical procedure you’ll need to see your dentist for cleaning and maintenance on the implant studs themselves. The upshot here is that it requires about the same amount of yearly dental visits that cleaning your regular teeth would.
If you have more questions, would like a more detailed explanation, come in and see Dr. Matthews. He can explain all procedures including maintenance and help you make the right decisions regarding your dental health.