Good Oral Health
And Your Dentures
A Dentist can provide you with the best advice on oral care. We advise you see a dentist on a regular basis to insure your teeth and gums are kept in a sound and healthy condition.
As Dental Prosthetists we see all sorts of oral conditions. We see the “good” and the “bad”. We use visual and digital means to detect any obvious abnormalities. We check for the four classic signs of inflammation by probing and asking questions such as:
Do you experience heat or pain, can we detect redness or swelling?
- Do you have sensitive teeth?
- Experiencing pain with cold and /or hot drinks?
- Do you have a dry mouth (lack of saliva)?
- Do your gums bleed
We check to see if a partial denture can be placed around your natural teeth and over your gums.
Do you experience discomfort in or around your mouth or ears?
- Can we hear or feel clicking around our ears during movements?
- Are there any obvious cavities, broken teeth, root or bone fragments?
- Are any teeth loose or decayed?
- Are there lumps or bumps and oral tissue discolouration?
A GOOD DIET
Avoid sugar, drink lots of water, limit snacks between meals, watch what you eat.
DENTURE HYGIENE
It is essential to keep your dentures clean and hygienic. We generally advise removing your dentures during sleep and using a recommended cleaning technique. All types of dentures should be regularly maintained and checked for:
- Excessive wear on fitting surfaces and teeth
- Looseness and discomfort
- Cleanliness, staining, and plaque buildup (bacteria)
- Broken or bent clasps around teeth
- Structural integrity
BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
Please make sure to remove your partial dentures when brushing or flossing. It is plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Using regular and proper tooth brushing techniques and a good toothbrush (small bristle or rotating electric) will help you achieve the best results.
“To gain the maximum benefit from brushing your teeth, you should be brushing for at least two minutes morning and night, spending roughly 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth.
CLEANING YOUR DENTURES
Different types of denture materials require specific cleaning techniques. Fill your sink with water to prevent damage if the denture slips. Hold the denture with your thumb and index fingers. After brushing your teeth, use leftover foam to clean out food debris with gentle rotating movements. Clean non-flexible, semi-flexible, and metal dentures with warm water; use hot water for fully flexible dentures. During sleep, store dentures either dry (preferable) or in cold water with a teaspoon of white vinegar. Nicotine, tea, coffee, and spices may cause more staining; use commercial cleaners for stubborn stains. If needed, seek professional cleaning.