As we age, most of us start to notice changes to our body, which tends to include our oral health.
In most ways, oral health care stays the same as we get older. We should brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist twice a year. Since seniors tend to have smaller nerves in their mouths, making it to the dentist twice a year is extra important. The smaller nerves make you less likely to notice the already subtle signs that you may have a cavity.
With proper care, you help ensure that you’ll keep your teeth in your mouth for the rest of your life. However, if you lose your teeth, you aren’t alone. In fact, up to 30% of older adults have no remaining teeth.
Fortunately, dentures are an easy and affordable option.
Caring for Dentures
Dentures are easy to take care of, but they do require special care. Follow these 7 steps to keep your set of dentures in good shape.
7 Steps for Taking Proper Care of Your Dentures
- Rinse Your Dentures After Eating. Make sure you get all the food particles clinging to the dentures.
- Wash Your Mouth in the Evening. Before bedtime, clean your mouth and gums wet moist gauze or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to get your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth.
- Brush Your Dentures Daily. Make certain that you brush the ridges in your teeth where leftover dental adhesive tends to cling.
- Be Careful When You Handle Your Dentures. If you drop your dentures, they tend to break.
- Keep Them Hydrated at Night. While you sleep, soak your dentures in a glass of water or a mild denture solution. If your dentures dry out, they will likely lose their shape.
- Rinse them in the Morning. Before putting your dentures in your mouth in the morning, make sure you rinse them thoroughly.
- Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months. As you age, your mouth will continue to change, so you will need new pairs over time.
What Not to do With Your Dentures
You can ruin your dentures if you rinse them in very hot or boiling water or use stiff-bristled brushes or whitening toothpastes.
To learn more about dentures, visit our dentures page.