According to the History of Dentistry, the history of dentures traces back to 2500 B.C. During that period, they used wood and animal teeth to make dentures. Centuries later, the people of Egypt and Etruria in ancient Italy used animal and human teeth, bone, and wire to make dentures. In this age, Bellevue dentures are made of different flexible materials, including acrylic resin and porcelain. Although an acrylic denture is stronger, a porcelain denture lasts longer.
However, a porcelain denture is significantly more expensive and heavier than an acrylic denture.
You may need to wear dentures when you have loose teeth, bleeding and inflamed gums, spaces between teeth due to missing teeth, a severely infected tooth, or struggle with biting and chewing some foods.
Generally, dentures are dental restorations that often last between 7 to 10 years. They do not last forever. Still, you are responsible for ensuring your dentures last that long or longer by regularly and correctly cleaning and maintaining them.
Subsequently, the tips below may help you maintain and clean dentures so that they work as long as possible.
- Gentle removal and wearing of dentures
During the removal or wearing of dentures, do it gently.
Forcefully removing or wearing dentures may cause them to break or bend their clasps, the tiny metal wires that keep them covering your permanent teeth comfortably.
So that you do not have to remove or wear your dentures forcefully, ensure they are properly fitting. And always take your time when removing or wearing dentures.
- Rinse dentures
As you eat, food particles accumulate and cause the formation of harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar on your dentures. Also, the food you eat may discolor your dentures.
Therefore, dentists recommend you remove dentures for thorough rinsing after every meal to safeguard them against discoloration and plaque buildup. The accumulation of plaque and tartar makes you prone to bad breath and gum disease.
Carefully hold dentures, so you do not break them during cleaning, and rinse them with running tap water.
- Brush teeth
It is always difficult to brush the teeth covered by dentures. But, when you remove dentures, your teeth are left exposed, and thus you can brush them easily and properly.
Brushing your teeth can help remove or reduce the build of harmful bacteria and plaque that may cause various dental issues.
Dental experts advise brushing your teeth at least twice daily, with each brushing session lasting at least two minutes.
- Keep dentures moist
Most dentures require you to keep them moist to retain their normal shape. If dentures become dry, they will be difficult to fit on your teeth.
An incorrectly shaped denture may trigger oral pain and promote gradual jawbone deterioration.
Put dentures in the right solution or water to keep them moist outside your mouth, particularly as you sleep at night.
If you have a dry mouth and need to keep dentures moist, drink plenty of water regularly or use a specially formulated mouthwash.
Contact EZ Dental Clinic today to schedule an appointment with a denture specialist and learn if you are the right candidate for dental treatment.
