Dentures can change your life dramatically. They replace missing teeth and improve your smile. But how do they affect your oral health? Let’s explore the impact of dentures on various aspects of your oral health.
Understanding Dentures
Dentures come in two main types: full and partial. Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth, while partial dentures fill gaps when you still have some natural teeth. Both types help you chew and speak better, which can significantly improve your quality of life. They also support your facial muscles, preventing the sagging that often occurs when teeth are missing. This support can make you look younger and more vibrant. Full dentures consist of a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over your gums.
The upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for your tongue. Partial dentures rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes, crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth to serve as anchors for the denture.
Improving Your Oral Health
Dentures can significantly improve your oral health. Missing teeth can lead to a variety of problems. They can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place, leading to bite issues and difficulty chewing. Missing teeth can also result in bone loss in your jaw, as the bone is no longer stimulated by the pressure of chewing. This bone loss can change the shape of your face and make you look older.
Dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth, helping to keep your remaining teeth in their proper positions. This can prevent the shifting that can lead to bite problems and difficulty chewing. Dentures also help maintain the shape of your jawbone by providing a surface for chewing, preventing bone loss.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Wearing dentures means you must practice good oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. Clean your dentures daily to remove food particles and plaque. Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean them. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface of the dentures. These scratches can harbor bacteria, leading to infections. Rinse your dentures after every meal to remove food particles.
Soak them in a denture cleaner overnight to help remove bacteria and stains. This soaking also helps to keep them moist, which can help them maintain their shape. Good oral hygiene doesn’t stop with your dentures. You also need to take care of your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Brush these areas with a soft-bristled brush to remove plaque and stimulate blood flow. This can help to keep your gums healthy, which is crucial for supporting your dentures.
Caring for Your Gums
Don’t forget your gums when you clean your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every day. Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid irritating your gums. This brushing removes plaque and stimulates blood flow, which can help to keep your gums healthy. Healthy gums are crucial for supporting your dentures and preventing gum disease. Gum disease can cause your gums to recede, which can affect the fit of your dentures. It can also lead to bone loss in your jaw, which can further affect the fit of your dentures. Regular brushing can help to prevent gum disease and keep your gums healthy.