Caring for your smile doesn’t stop at brushing your natural teeth. It’s just as important if you wear dentures or have dental implants. At least one in five Australians uses dentures or has dental implants, making their care a big deal for many of us.
That’s where The Village Dentist comes into the picture. Think of us as your go-to for not just the basics of dental care but also for keeping your dentures and dental implants in top shape.
In this article, we discuss the best ways to care for your dentures and dental implants, from daily cleaning to the professional once-over and even lifestyle tweaks that can make all the difference. Read on, and you’ll be clued up on how to keep those pearly whites—real or not—looking great and functioning perfectly.
How to take care of your dentures
Full or partial dentures offer a practical solution for replacing missing teeth, helping to restore both the functionality and appearance of your smile. Keeping your dentures in top shape is all about giving them a little TLC every day. Just like your natural teeth, they need regular cleaning and the right kind of care to stay looking good and working well. Below, you can explore the how-tos of denture care:
Denture cleaning and maintenance
Think of your dentures as you would your own teeth. They need a good daily clean to get rid of plaque buildup and keep them from getting stained. But the way you clean them matters. Using a soft toothbrush or special denture brush, gently scrub your dentures with a denture-cleaning solution. Regular toothpaste can be too harsh, leading to scratches where bacteria can hide. And while we’re talking don’ts, steer clear of hot water, as it can warp the shape of your dentures.
Storage and handling
Beyond denture maintenance and cleaning, how you handle and store your dentures plays a big role in keeping them in prime condition, too. It’s not just about where you put them when you hit the hay, it’s about making sure they’re ready for action the next day without any hiccups. Here’s how to do it right:
Handling with care
Dentures can be a bit delicate, so handling them carefully is a good idea. Always handle your dentures over a soft surface, for instance, a folded towel or a filled sink works wonders to cushion any accidental drops. Removable dentures can be slippery, and the last thing you want is them taking a dive onto a hard surface.
The right storage
When you’re not wearing your dentures, they should be in a denture-soaking solution or plain water. This isn’t just about keeping them clean, it’s also about keeping them moist. Dentures left out in the open air can dry out, losing their shape and becoming brittle. That’s a fast track to them not fitting right or even cracking.
Regular dental check-ups
Scheduling regular dental check-ups is essential for maintaining your dentures’ health, comfort, and functionality. These visits allow your dentist to assess the fit and condition of your dentures, making adjustments or repairs as needed to prevent discomfort and ensure optimal performance. Over time, changes in your mouth can affect how your dentures fit, leading to potential irritation or difficulty in eating and speaking.
By keeping up with your dental appointments, you’re taking a proactive step towards preserving your overall oral health, ensuring your smile remains as vibrant and functional as ever.
How to take care of your dental implants
Dental implants are a game-changer for many, offering a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. But just like natural teeth, they need the right kind of care to keep them and the surrounding gums healthy. Below, you can read about how to ensure your dental implants last as long as possible:
Daily oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing peri-implant diseases, which can affect the tissue and bone around your dental implants. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and using a low-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste can help keep your dental implants clean, and your surrounding teeth and gums healthy.
Remember to floss daily, too! Interdental brushes and water flossers are also great for cleaning between dental implants and natural teeth.
Professional maintenance
Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial for the longevity of your implants. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the health of your implants, gums, and bone. Generally, seeing your dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up is recommended, though they may suggest a tailored schedule based on your specific needs. During these visits, your dentist can use specialised tools to clean around the implants without damaging them, ensuring they remain in top condition.
Lifestyle and habits
Your lifestyle choices play a crucial role in the longevity and health of your dental implants. To safeguard your implants, it’s essential to avoid certain habits. For example, smoking can severely diminish their lifespan by impairing gum health, leading to potential implant failure. Similarly, chewing on hard objects like ice or hard lollies risks damaging both your implants and natural teeth.
Embracing positive habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, contributes not only to the durability of your dental implants but also to your overall oral health, ensuring your dental implants (and remaining teeth) remain a vibrant part of your smile for years to come.
Denture and dental implant maintenance in Castle Hill
Taking good care of your dentures and dental implants is crucial for your overall oral health and the longevity of your dental solutions. You can ensure they last by incorporating daily cleaning, regular check-ups, and mindful lifestyle choices into your routine.
Don’t forget to book your next appointment with The Village Dentist, your local Castle Hill dental clinic, to keep your smile at its best.
