If you have had multiple teeth extracted, it can have a negative effect on your self-confidence and possibly your social life. To combat this, Dr. Amirpasha Farnaghi of League City Elite Dentistry can recommend partial or complete dentures to bring back your smile. To help prepare you for what’s to come, here are five tips for living with dentures you should know.
- Don’t Let Your Dentures Dry Out
Just like natural teeth, dentures should always be wet to prevent them from cracking. To make sure your dentures last a lifetime, they should always be sitting in either a glass of water or a denture cleanser soaking solution whenever they aren’t inside your mouth.
- Brush Your Dentures Twice Daily
It is important to treat your dentures just as you would your natural teeth. This means brushing twice daily to prevent plaque buildup. Brush away any leftover food particles to minimize staining and maintain good oral hygiene. Odor-causing bacteria can also cause bad breath if not removed. Always remember to end by thoroughly rinse your dental appliance to wash away any harmful bacteria.
- Don’t Forget to Brush Your Gums
Because dentures sit on top of your gums, it is important to keep your gums healthy. Believe it or not, they are still vulnerable to gum disease even without teeth. Gently brush your gums with a soft toothbrush for stimulation and remove and plaque, bacteria or food residue from your gum line to keep them healthy.
- Practice Speaking with Dentures
A lisp is to be expected when you first get your dentures, but practice makes perfect! Give it some time to train the muscles in your mouth to speak around your new dentures. Dr. Farnaghi recommends reading aloud from your favorite book and keeping a short life of words that are difficult for you to pronounce. The more you practice, the sooner your lisp will disappear.
- Learn How to Correct Slipping Dentures
Sometimes you may experience your dentures slip from an abrupt movement. This can be anything from sneezing to laughing and, in some cases, smiling. When this happens, gently bite down and swallow to bring them back to the correct position. This little trick is discreet enough for no one else to notice. If you find that your dentures are slipping more often, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
For questions about dental appliances like dentures or to find out if you’re a candidate for partial or complete dentures, contact Dr. Farnaghi at our office. Get your confidence back!