Caring for Dentures

Caring for Dentures

Caring for your dentures and mouth are very important.

To keep your mouth healthy and your dentures in good condition it is important that you follow a simple daily routine.

Care of Full Dentures/ Mouth:-

  • Dentures to be cleaned daily
  • Take your dentures out of your mouth to clean them
  • Clean your denture over a basin/sink of cold water or over a folded towel to avoid damage if they are dropped
  • Soap/denture cleaning paste can be used to clean dentures with a toothbrush or a soft nailbrush
  • Clean your tongue and roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush
  • Always put your dentures in cold water when they are out of your mouth to prevent warping

Care of Partial Dentures:-

  • Partial dentures should be removed after eating and rinsed under cold water
  • If your partial denture has a metal clasp, do not use any cleaning agents which contain bleach.
  • When cleaning partial dentures, remember also to clean and floss your own teeth and gums using a toothbrush with soft/medium bristles and fluoride paste.
  • Don’t forget to floss your remaining teeth daily.

General Care of Dentures:-

  • Don’t wear your dentures 24 hours a day. This gives your mouth a chance to ‘rest’ and prevents fungal infections
  • Soak your dentures in a specialised cleaner, following manufacturer’s instructions
  • Remove your dentures when playing contact sports
  • If you get an ulcer/sore in your mouth and it has not healed after two weeks you should see your dentist
  • If you are wearing dentures, or have no teeth of your own, you should visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your mouth stays healthy.

To read more on Patient Care, click on the link below.

Patient Care

Food for healthy teeth

Proteins are vital for the formation and maintenance of the tooth structure. Proteins also protect the lining of your mouth. Some of the good sources of proteins that are easily available are soy, eggs, beans, poultry, seafood and dairy products.

Calcium and phosphorus are the building blocks of teeth and a rich supply of these nutrients protect the teeth against tooth damage. Some foods which supply high amounts of calcium and phosphorous are milk and milk products, seafood, tofu, almonds, green leafy vegetables, legumes and broccoli. Cheese is exceptionally high in calcium.

Vitamin D is a vital mineral that helps in calcium absorption. Sunlight is the richest source of Vitamin D. Other readily available sources of vitamin D are milk, fish, eggs, and cod liver oil.

Potassium is an essential trace mineral that helps in blood clotting, especially when gums bleed after an injury. Some good sources of potassium are fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also find high amounts of potassium in cooked spinach, cooked broccoli, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Did you know fluoride is a great mineral that prevents the tooth against cavities and also promotes the absorption of calcium in the body. Tap water is a source of fluoride and other sources rich in fluoride are black tea and seafood.

Healthy habits for Dental hygiene

Healthy habits for Dental hygiene by Famhealth
  • Brush before you sleep at night- General recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But, brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
  • Brush properly-Poor brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
  • Clean your Tongue-Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. It is recommended to gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
  • Drink more water -Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
  • Eat lots of crunchy vegetables-Eating fresh, crunchy vegetables and fruits not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth and are natural teeth cleansers.