Dentures Aftercare By Stephen Dowell, DDS on January 20, 2020

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, you would benefit greatly from getting dentures. These sets of false teeth can restore your ability to bite, chew, and smile. Thanks to modern materials and craftsmanship, dentures are even more effective now that they were in the past. Dr. Stephen C. Dowell and Dr. Byron Rossi have helped countless patients in and around Minerva, Carrollton, and Dover, OH with full and partial dentures.

For the best outcomes with dentures, it’s important that patients clean and care for them properly. Let’s offer some advice on proper denture aftercare. This includes tips on cleaning your denture as well as proper oral hygiene if you’re missing teeth.

Diet After Getting New Dentures

Let’s start at the beginning. You’ve just gotten a set of dentures and you’re getting used to how they feel in your mouth.

Since it can take a little time getting used to the feel of dentures, consider modifying your diet at first. Start by eating soft foods that only require some light chewing. As the weeks progress, incorporate more solid foods back into your diet.

Don’t rush back into solids. You may find that certain hard foods give you trouble and may require different preparation so you can eat comfortably.

Advice for Managing Denture Discomfort

Your gums might feel raw or sore as you’re getting used to a denture. This is a natural issue for many patients. Usually this discomfort is mitigated by adjusting your diet in the first month or so after getting a dental appliance.

If you continue to experience soreness and discomfort of the gums after several weeks, be sure to speak with us. We may be able to adjust the fit of your denture so it doesn’t leave your gums feeling so sore.

How to Clean Your Denture

Cleaning a denture is easy. Remove the denture and polish it using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive gel toothpaste. Brush your denture at least twice a day to keep it clean and fresh. To help remove tiny food particles and avoid bad odors, you can also use a denture cleanser.

Oral Hygiene for the Rest of your Mouth

Cleaning your denture isn’t your only oral hygiene concern. You should also clean your gums, tongue, palate, and any remaining teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush, tongue scraper, and antibacterial mouthwash can all work wonders in improving the health and condition of your mouth.

Soaking Your Denture at Night

Be sure to take your dentures out at night while you sleep. To prevent your denture from warping, soak it overnight in a glass of clean water. Some denture cleansers are designed to be used overnight, which will help keep your dentures clean and fresh.

Attend Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

Be sure to see us every six months for regular cleanings and exams. We can check on the condition of your denture and gum tissue, making adjustments as needed. If your denture is fractured in some way, we can make repairs or craft a new denture as a replacement.

Contact Dowell Dental Group

To learn more about dentures and how to improve your dental health and wellness, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. We have four locations. You can reach our office in Carrollton by calling (330) 627-5005, our office in Dover by calling (330) 364-1414, and our two offices in by calling Minerva (330) 868-5001 or (330) 868-5080.