Our Favorite Tips and Tricks for Life With Dentures
Choosing to get dentures is a big decision. You’re deciding to restore everything you lost when your teeth began to fail you: your oral health, your smile, your comfort, and your confidence. But how do you know dentures will work for you?
You can easily adjust to life with dentures, and you’ll do so even more smoothly once you know the many tips and tricks we tell our patients about this helpful option for oral health.
Here at Downtown Dental Studio, we ensure patients have all the information they need to manage their treatment choices comfortably. Fadi Beydoun, DMD, MS, Alexander Kimon, DMD, and Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, are here to help you with your dentures every step of the way!
Choosing to get dentures
Some people think that losing their teeth as they age is inevitable. But studies have shown many don’t realize the burden missing teeth can put on their day-to-day life, not to mention how many areas it touches. Missing teeth make it hard to eat and talk, impairing your confidence.
This doesn’t cover missing teeth that can seriously affect oral health. Yes, sometimes teeth must be removed to avoid certain worsening problems, but over time, the loss of bone density can be detrimental to your other teeth and change the shape of your face.
Choosing dentures is a great way to preserve your health and avoid problems. But it helps to know the ins and outs of dentures before getting them.
Seven tips and tricks for life with dentures
1. Make sure you clean your dentures every day.
Twice a day is even better. But you don’t want to use toothpaste like on regular teeth. Remove them from your mouth, and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a solution specifically to clean dentures or a mild type of soap. Rinse them with warm water.
2. Soak them overnight.
Don’t wear your dentures to bed. Instead, soak them in lukewarm water or a denture solution. If they are allowed to dry out, they could become warped.
3. Take your time getting used to them.
Start by eating soft foods and practicing speaking with them while you’re alone. Let yourself get used to them because they will feel different. The more time and patience you give yourself, the easier it will be to adjust.
4. Use adhesive, but only to keep them in place.
Denture adhesive helps you keep your dentures where they should be in your mouth. It makes sure they don’t move or slide around. However, this product can’t fix dentures that fit poorly in the first place. This requires a trip to your dentist.
5. Be careful when taking your dentures out!
You’ll want to take your dentures out over something soft. Putting a towel down on the bathroom sink can help. This is because dentures can easily break if you drop them on a hard surface.
6. Drink lots of water.
As previously stated, you don’t want your dentures to become dry. Avoiding dry mouth is essential, as you may be more likely to experience this issue when wearing dentures. Staying hydrated is a great way to avoid it.
7. Don’t avoid your regular oral health duties.
Yes, brushing and caring for your dentures is essential, but don’t forget to care for your gums and any natural teeth you still have. Also, make sure you continue to visit your oral health provider once every six months so they can check and make sure your dentures are fitting correctly.
Life with dentures is a whole new opportunity
It’s true; you can live a better, happier, and more confident life once you’ve been fitted for dentures. Let us help you by making an appointment today at our New York City, NY office in the Financial District. Call 212-964-3337.