Wearing dentures requires committing to taking proper care of them for the long haul. Your artificial teeth are not designed to last forever, but you do want your investment to extend as long as possible. Ensuring they remain fully intact and clean is essential, so why is it a problem if they remain in your mouth while brushing? In this article, a dentist explains the reasons why removing your dentures will ensure a longer-lasting smile.
What Makes Wearing Dentures While Brushing a Problem?
While technically you can keep your dentures in your mouth while brushing your teeth, there are a few things you’ll want to remember should you choose to do so, such as using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
However, assuming that your artificial teeth are thoroughly cleaned while remaining in your mouth is false. It is actually impossible to ensure that your prosthetics are in optimal shape if you refuse to remove them when caring for your smile.
The reason is that bacteria can easily become trapped underneath your dentures, making it difficult to eliminate if you keep them in while cleaning.
You’ll need to take out your dentures and brush all surfaces. Neglecting to do so will only lead to accumulations of plaque and harmful debris that can irritate gums and increase your risk of gum disease.
What is the Best Way to Effectively Clean Dentures?
There are several tips you can use to make sure that your artificial teeth remain in the best possible shape. These include:
- Placing a towel in the basin of your sink so that you do not accidentally break your dentures should you drop them.
- Make sure that you brush all surfaces of your mouth, including your gums, tongue, and palate. This should be done twice each day.
- Soaking dentures is a daily task that you should follow, as tartar can easily accumulate. It’s also ideal to let your teeth soak overnight so that your gums and jawbone receive a reprieve and are able to retain valuable nutrients that are commonly lost throughout the day.
Although it might be easier to cut corners while wearing dentures, following these steps will lead you to not only avoid more frequent visits to the dentist’s office but also enjoy a healthier, cleaner smile.
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care, we are pleased to have four expert dentists who make it their mission to provide stress-free, enjoyable dentistry to families living in Kent and its surrounding areas. Offering high-quality care, individuals who are suffering from tooth loss can expect long-lasting tooth replacement options like dentures to boost their oral health and confidence. Offering helpful tips and recommendations to keep custom prosthetics in the best possible shape, we encourage you or your loved one to contact us at (253) 854-2714 for help.