DENTURE WEARERS need to maintain good oral hygiene just as if they have their
own teeth. Dentures require cleaning and the tissue they fit on should be periodically
checked by their dentist to make sure they are fitting well. Poor fitting dentures
can cause sore spots, ulcerations or other problems. After a denture has been in
the mouth for several years, the shape of the ridges might shrink over time. As a
result, often dentures need to be refitted, relined, or remade. This is often done
after every 5-10 years.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
New denture wearers can expect that the dentures will make their mouth feel "full",
the tongue feels crowded and they may find that they build up saliva quicker. In
addition, because the roof of the mouth is covered with plastic now, they may not
have the same taste sensations. In addition, they may not have the same strength
to eat foods with as with their natural teeth. If a person had dentures made when
they were young, often the ridge gets preserved and then dentures sometimes seem
to hold in stronger. If you bite your cheek or the dentures "clack" when
you talk, then you should have them checked quickly. It is advised to start your
new eating habits by cutting your food into smaller portions and eat softer foods
until you get used to them. If possible, split the food up into two halves and chew
evenly on both sides to avoid "rocking" the denture while it is first fitting
in. Keep the food in the back rather than in the front of the denture. Sucking on
a mint or small candy can help prevent gagging that may also be common when first
getting used to a new denture. It's normal to have some small sore spots, simply
call the office and have it looked at. Avoid sticky foods when wearing a denture.
You can practice reading out loud to help you improve your ability to speak with
them in your mouth.
PROPER CARE OF YOUR DENTURE:
Dentures should be brushed daily just like you would brush your
natural teeth to avoid plaque build-up. Even though you won't get
a cavity on the denture, you can build up plaque that can cause
odor, or build-up which can lead to ill-fitting dentures. The roof
of the mouth has little ridges in it also which can trap plaque
as well, and if dentures are not removed for cleaning, then the
tissues can get irritated, red and raw. You should use a mouthrinse
as well as gently brush both your tongue and roof of your mouth.
It is better to wear your dentures at night, especially during the
first few weeks to help your mouth adapt to them. Never try to adjust
your denture yourself or the clasps on a partial as they are easily
broken or can misfit quickly.
WHAT NOT TO USE:
A denture is made of acrylic and therefore needs to properly handled. It should not
be dropped or left in the direct sunlight for long periods of time. The moisture
helps to keep it somewhat pliable. Do NOT use bleach, toothpaste, vinegar or soap
on a denture as these can scratch or discolor the denture. In addition, NEVER use
a hard bristle brush or a wire brush on the teeth. the little scratches that can
result in that will harbor bacteria and plaque. When you aren't wearing your denture,
you should keep it either in a tub of water or in the plastic container to avoid
it getting dirty or dried out.
ADHESIVES:
From time to time, especially with either new or immediate (after teeth extractions)
dentures, there is a time for the tissue to adapt to the denture as well as for the
patient to get used to wearing the denture. It is advised to only use adhesives only
if necessary. They are very useful when needed to assist a denture fit properly.
If a denture is an immediate denture and the tissue is still healing from
where the teeth were, then it is likely that the denture will not fit well for a
couple weeks. The first week, the tissue often swells from the extractions and then
the second week, the tissue tends to shrink from the healing and not having a tooth
in the area. As a result, it is impossible for a denture to fit BOTH conditions snuggly.
For immediate dentures, it is usually advised that a reline is done after a few months
to allow the tissue to finish healing. If you need to use an adhesive, many dentists
suggest using a LIGHT amount of a powder first to see it that can help create the
necessary SEAL that you need to help the denture hold in place. If a gel or cream
is used, be sure to spread it thin on the denture as it could shift the fit of the
denture otherwise. |
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