Oral hygiene is important, but it’s even more important for denture wearers! You can experience a range of oral health complications as a denture wearer, so it’s our job to let you know how to keep your mouth squeaky clean so you can have a comfortable time wearing dentures!
Did you know? 19% of the population wear dentures, so it is important that this large chunk of people are making sure their oral health is tip top.
Here are a few oral health complications you should know as a denture wearer, and how to keep your oral hygiene in good condition.
Common oral health issues for denture wearers
Denture wearers can experience a range of health issues if they do not keep up with regular oral hygiene maintenance. These can range from:
- Bad breath
- Gum inflammation
- Soreness
- Oral thrush
- Infections
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Bone loss in the jaw
Want to know how to avoid these oral health issues? Read on.
How to maintain oral hygiene as a denture wearer
Brushing and flossing
Brushing your teeth and flossing are extra important for maintaining good oral hygiene for denture wearers. Although dentures replace natural teeth, the gums and remaining teeth still need to be sparkly clean!
Brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste helps to remove plaque, bacteria and food particles from the gums and remaining teeth, which reduces the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.
If you floss, you are removing food particles and bacteria from between the teeth and gums that a toothbrush may miss.
Regular check-ups
During dental check-ups, your dental clinician or dentist can examine areas of your mouth and identify any pesky problems before they become a bigger deal.
Also, over time, dentures need to be adjusted or they can start to cause irritation. Not only is this annoying for the patient, but can cause further issues down the line.
Regular check-ups mean your dental specialist can ensure your dentures fit properly and your mouth is squeaky clean!
Healthy diet
Did you know a healthy diet can help prevent oral hygiene issues for denture wearers? A healthy diet provides essential nutrients for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
Eating plenty of delicious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth and repair of oral tissues.
As a denture wearer, it is best to avoid sugary and acidic foods and beverages as they can cause tooth decay and erosion, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems.
Keep your mouth hydrated
When the mouth is dry, the risk of oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath goes up!
Saliva is essential for lubricating the mouth and washing away food particles and bacteria. Without proper saliva production, food particles can become trapped in the mouth, leading to plaque build-up and eventual gum disease.
Some denture wearers might experience dry mouth due to the materials used in their dentures or other medications they may be taking.
To combat this, it is important to drink plenty of water and avoid drinks that can dehydrate the mouth, such as alcohol and caffeine.
Recommended oral hygiene products
Here are a few oral care products we recommend for denture wearers here at Kevin Manners:
- Non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Water flosser
- Antimicrobial mouthwash
- Denture adhesive
- Fluoride toothpaste
Clean your dentures
Here is a mini guide on how to conduct proper denture care.
- Remove your dentures.
- Rinse them with water to remove any loose debris.
- Apply a denture cleaning solution to a soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush.
- Gently brush all surfaces of the dentures, this includes the teeth, gums, and palate.
- Give the dentures a rinse with water to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
- Soak the dentures in a denture cleaning solution as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Rinse the dentures again with water before putting them back in your mouth.
- Smile with confidence!
Be sure to avoid:
- Hot water
- Bleach
- Household cleaning products
Considering getting dentures? Contact us for a free consultation at any one of our denture clinics in Nottingham, Newark and Mansfield.