How Should You Care for Your Dentures

Study suggests that people who have lost their teeth may be at even greater risk for other health problems.

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that people with full or partial dentures ate fewer fruits and vegetables and more processed foods with higher cholesterol and saturated fat.

Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins that help prevent cancer and heart disease while foods with high cholesterol and saturated fat contribute to these conditions.

Researchers speculate that people with dentures find it more difficult to chew fruits and vegetables and so choose softer processed foods.

If you have dentures and find it difficult to chew, consult with your dentist. There are things that your dentist can do to help you with the fit and feel of your dentures. Especially if you are finding that your dentures are adversely affecting your diet.

Your dentures need to be maintained and cleaned daily just like your teeth.

Maintaining your dentures is important to your overall health. Lost teeth do not have to mean lost health.

Even if you wear full dentures, you still have to practice good dental hygiene.

Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing can also help prevent staining.

Occasionally, denture wearers may use adhesives. Adhesives come in many forms: creams, powders, pads/wafers, strips or liquids. If you use one of these products, read the instructions, and use them exactly as directed.

If you have any questions about your dentures or if they stop fitting well or become damaged, contact your dentist. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups, too.

Your dentist will examine your mouth and the denture to see if they continue to fit properly.