DENTURE TIPS

At Tecumseh Denture Solutions, we believe that maintaining good denture and oral care can lead to a healthier mouth and can help prolong the life of your denture. Like anything new, dentures can take some time to get used to. New dentures can feel uncomfortable for the first time; speaking and eating can seem awkward too. Increased saliva flow is also common as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. During this time you may develop sore spots. If this occurs you will need to come in for an adjustment. A warm saltwater rinse (with 1/2 tsp-1 tsp salt) can help alleviate the pain until you see us. Here’s what you can do to maintain optimal denture and oral care:

Brush dentures and teeth after every meal.

Use a soft denture brush and remove any food particles with warm or cold water.

Clean dentures using a mild soap or a professional denture cleaner to remove any plaque buildup and bacteria.

Fill sink with water, or place a plush towel over your countertop, before removing or cleaning your dentures. This will help prevent breakage if they accidentally fall.

Place dentures in a cup of water or denture bath overnight. This will prevent them from drying out and distorting, and will also allow your gums to relax.

Before inserting your dentures again, brush your gums, tongue and palate with toothpaste to eliminate bacteria and to stimulate circulation.

DENTURES DO'S AND DON’TS

Do not use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners to clean dentures, as it can scratch and damage them.

Scratched dentures can harbour plaque and bacteria, causing denture odour or thrush.

Never use vinegar or bleach which can discolour the pink part of your denture.

Only use a mild soap to clean dentures, or a professional denture cleaner which helps eliminate stubborn stains and plaque.

Never gargle or swallow denture cleaner as it can be toxic.

Always keep dentures in a safe place, preferably in a denture container.

Keep dentures away from children and pets to help prevent loss or damage.

Never wrap dentures in a tissue or paper towel which can accidentally be tossed out without realizing.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, their name can be added to their denture, upon request, to avoid them from getting misplaced or lost.

Even with proper care, the average lifespan of a denture is usually 5 to 7 years. For this reason, dentures should be checked regularly in order to ensure they are fitting and functioning properly.

ANNUAL RE-CARE

At Tecumseh Denture Solutions, we recommend coming in for an annual re-care. This not only helps us keep in touch with our clients, but can help us identify problems early on, and prevent future unnecessary expenses.

During your annual re-care, we will:

Update your medical and dental history.

Check for any abnormalities and changes in your oral tissues.

Check your bite, stability of your denture, overall integrity and normal wear-and-tear of your denture.

Check missing teeth.

Discuss options that may be required.

Clean and polish your denture and go over proper homecare protocol.