Here’s How to Take Care Of Your Dentures in Coatesville

When you think about it, having dentures in Coatesville is a pretty amazing thing. These dentist-designed products enable wearers to not only eat a healthy diet but also to participate in social events and dazzle the world with their smile. But, like all good things, dentures require a little bit of care to do their job. This includes cleaning them on a regular basis.

Why Cleaning Your Dentures Is so Important

Your mouth is an amazingly sterile place. It’s patrolled constantly by immune cells whose only job is to keep you safe from infection.

That’s not to say that harmful bacteria can’t get a toehold in your teeth, however. They can. When they do, they may take up residence in your dentures. If this happens, then you may experience the following problems:

• Bad breath. This problem can afflict up to 87% of denture wearers. Many things can cause halitosis, of course. One way to know if your dentures are the source of the problem is to put them in a sealable plastic bag for five minutes. If, when you unseal the bag, your nostrils start screaming in protest, then bacteria is the likely culprit.
• Inflamed gums. Gum disease is an aggressive illness that can spread from either your natural teeth or your dentures into the rest of your mouth. Should this occur, your gums may become red, sensitive or even begin to recede.
• Unsightly stains. Most dentures are made from porous materials that can furnish bacteria with a safe harbor. If this happens, then you may find your dentures turning an unpleasant brownish or greenish color. Not only is this embarrassing, it can put you at risk for serious infections.
• Mouth sores. These can be caused either by bacteria or by food particles in your dentures that rub against soft tissues.

It’s for these reasons that dentists recommend cleaning your dentures on a regular basis. You can use a name-brand denture soaking solution for this purpose, although some professionals say that a mixture of dish soap and water works just as well.

Brushing your dentures is every bit as important as washing them. You should use a soft-bristled brush intended specifically for denture cleaning. One product that you should never use on your dentures however is toothpaste. While it’s fine for your natural teeth, manytoothpaste brands contain abrasives that can damage dentures and possibly even create hiding spots for bacteria.

Most braces require overnight soaking to keep their shape and to stay as clean and fresh as possible. You should always rinse your dentures thoroughly after using one of these soaking solutions. Otherwise you risk getting harmful chemicals in your mouth. You should also rinse them after eating. Use care when handling your dentures and follow any special instructions from your dentist in Coatesville or the denture maker.

Modern dentures are a great way to enjoy a better life without the worries associated with tooth loss. The small amount of care they require will more than pay for itself in terms of your comfort, health and satisfaction.

About the Author

Dr. Jean Bichara earned his DDS degree from New York University in 1992. He has also completed advanced training in periodontics and implant placement. You can reach his office online or by calling (610) 383-1600.