Dentures are a well-known, highly-effective method of replacing lost teeth, and for good reason. Losing a single tooth can be disturbing, but losing all of them on one or both of your dental ridges can devastate your smile, as well as your confident image. To restore your smile’s beauty and function, a denture can be custom-crafted to fit snugly along your dental ridge, with a complete row of lifelike replacement teeth on top of the gum-colored base. Like your healthy teeth, caring for your dentures is important to maintaining their good fit and function, as well as preserving your good oral health.
Do’s & Don’ts of Denture Care
DO—handle with care. Avoid dropping your dentures on a dirty surface by standing over a sink full of water or a clean, folded towel when placing, removing, cleaning, or otherwise handling them.
DON’T—allow your dentures to dry out. Keep your dentures moist by storing them in water or a denture-cleansing solution so they don’t lose their shape and become uncomfortable.
DO—brush and rinse your dentures every day. Food and dental plaque can accumulate on dentures as they do your natural teeth, and must be cleaned to avoid gum disease, chronic bad breath, and other dental issues.
DON’T—use regular toothpaste, or a toothbrush with hard bristles, to clean your dentures. Toothpaste might be too abrasive (rough) for the texture of your porcelain dentures. Dr. Hakimzadeh will recommend a toothbrush specifically for cleaning dentures, as well as a gentle and effective denture cleanser.
Dealing with Loose Dentures
Even well-designed dentures can lose their support, becoming loose and slipping when you bite, chew, speak, and smile. After losing your teeth’s roots, your jawbone can recede, shrinking and losing its shape over the years. Over time, you may need to have your dentures refitted or replaced to restore their comfortable fit. To prevent denture slippage, Dr. Hakimzadeh often recommends supporting dentures on a series of dental implants, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The titanium implants replace the roots of your lost teeth, offering unmatched support for your dentures while helping prevent future jawbone deterioration.
About Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health so they can enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
