Understanding the Essential Denture Care Practices, Just Like Taking Care of Your Own Teeth.

Dentures are among the dental prosthetics commonly used by the elderly, often individuals with compromised immunity or chronic illnesses. As a result, denture wearers require special attention to various aspects of their oral care routine. To address this, let's explore eight comprehensive denture care practices, covering everything from hand hygiene to cleaning, storage, and regular check-ups.

 

Dentures play a significant role in maintaining oral health. Therefore, denture users should adhere to the above eight care practices to ensure proper usage.

 

Hand Hygiene: Always Wash Hands Before Handling Dentures

The most crucial aspect when dealing with dentures is hand hygiene. Before removing or wearing dentures, it is essential to thoroughly wash hands. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or using hand sanitizer helps prevent the spread of bacteria during denture handling, maintaining oral hygiene.

 

Use Denture Cleaner Instead of Regular Toothpaste

Thoroughly cleaning dentures is paramount. It is advisable to use a denture cleaner instead of regular toothpaste, as dentures are made of special materials that may be damaged by regular toothpaste. Using denture-specific cleaning agents prevents bacterial growth and ensures proper maintenance.

 

For Partial Dentures, Clean Natural Teeth with Regular Toothpaste

When using partial dentures or implants, managing both dentures and natural teeth is crucial. While dentures require specific cleaning agents, natural teeth or implants should be cleaned with regular toothpaste. This tailored approach ensures appropriate care for each component.

 

Clean Dentures 3-4 Times Daily, Just Like Natural Teeth

One common misconception among denture wearers is the frequency of cleaning. Dentures should be cleaned 3-4 times a day, just like natural teeth after meals. Failing to clean dentures regularly may lead to bacterial proliferation, resulting in denture-related stomatitis.

 

Remove Dentures for Naps and Night Sleep

It is crucial to avoid sleeping with dentures in place. During sleep, saliva production decreases, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Wearing dentures during sleep can lead to plaque accumulation and potential harm to both dentures and gums. Therefore, developing a habit of removing dentures before sleep is essential.

 

Store Dentures in a Cleaning Solution to Prolong Usage

Proper denture storage involves submerging them completely in a cleaning solution. Filling the container with water and adding denture cleaner helps prevent bacterial growth. Using dedicated cleaning solutions is vital, especially if denture-related stomatitis is suspected. Avoiding hot or boiling water is crucial to prevent permanent damage.

 

Oral Hygiene Extends to Natural Teeth to Reduce Pneumonia Risk

Oral hygiene plays a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of pneumonia in the elderly. Not only denture wearers but all seniors should prioritize oral hygiene for pneumonia prevention.

 

Regular Check-ups for Dentures and Gum Health Assessment

Initially, adapting to dentures requires time, and regular check-ups are crucial. Continuous discomfort may indicate the need for adjustments, especially during the initial period. Subsequently, biannual check-ups with dental professionals provide an opportunity to assess and adjust both dentures and gum health.

 

Dentures play a significant role in maintaining oral health. Therefore, denture users should adhere to the above eight care practices to ensure proper usage. By managing dentures effectively, users can preserve oral health and prevent issues such as denture-related stomatitis.