Some elderly individuals tend to have a lackadaisical attitude towards oral care, with denture care often overlooked. According to surveys, over 26% of individuals aged 55 and above wear dentures, yet 80% of these denture wearers fail to properly care for their dentures. Many mistakenly use toothpaste to clean their dentures, which is an incorrect practice. Improper denture care poses significant health risks. Dentures are more prone to accumulating dirt and bacteria than natural teeth. Over time, they become dirty, and bacteria multiply to form plaque. If cleaning is inadequate, pathogenic bacteria can proliferate abnormally, leading to severe oral and other diseases. Some pathogens, such as Candida albicans, can colonize on dentures and enter the respiratory system through the oral pharynx, causing bacterial pneumonia, or enter the circulatory system, causing bacteremia. Moreover, dental plaque and tartar on denture surfaces can easily lead to periodontal diseases, which are significant risk factors for gastric cancer and diabetes. As a professional denture lab, China Dental Lab recommends proper care for removable dentures.
Dentures are classified into removable and fixed types. Fixed dentures cannot be taken out and put back in by patients themselves and come in various materials, with most being harder than natural teeth. Their daily care is similar to that of natural teeth. Removable dentures, on the other hand, utilize natural teeth and mucous membranes for support and can be taken out and put back in by patients. Made primarily of resin, removable dentures are less hard than natural teeth and require specialized care.
Initial Period of Wearing: Wearing new removable dentures involves an adaptation process, typically taking about a month. However, if there are significant issues such as pain or difficulty in taking them out and putting them back in, it’s essential to consult a dentist promptly for adjustments until a comfortable fit is achieved. Before visiting the dentist, wear the dentures for half a day so that indentations from the painful areas are left, facilitating modifications. During the initial period, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods as the gum bed is still adapting, which could lead to breakage or dislocation. Some gum or mucosal pressure points or abrasions may occur during chewing, but they will quickly subside with adjustments. The quality of dentures made by China dental laboratory is crucial during this period, as good craftsmanship can alleviate discomfort. Avoid setting aside dentures due to pain, as they may no longer fit and require replacement over time.
Cleaning Dentures: Avoid using toothbrushes and toothpaste to clean removable dentures as their hardness is inferior to natural teeth. Regular brushing with toothpaste can damage denture surfaces due to the abrasive agents, leading to scratches that increase the risk of disease. After each meal, remove dentures and rinse them with water. Before bed, soak them in cold water, avoiding hot water or alcohol, which can cause deformation. Rinse them with water in the morning before reinserting. If concerned about insufficient cleaning with water, use a soft cloth or a soft, fine-bristled brush for gentle cleaning. Alternatively, use specialized denture cleaning tablets or cleaners. If there are natural teeth in the mouth, ensure thorough brushing to inhibit plaque growth.
Regular Check-ups: After wearing dentures, regular check-ups are crucial. Seek prompt dental attention for adjustments or repairs if needed. Chinese dental laboratory offers high-quality removable dentures with a guarantee of over 5 years. Over time, dentures may become loose, with reduced occlusion and pain, due to jawbone atrophy in the missing tooth area, which occurs at varying rates. Visit a dentist regularly for reviews, modifications, or replacements as needed. Generally, removable dentures should be serviced every 2 to 3 years.
