A Partial Denture is a gum-coloured removable plastic or acrylic base consisting of artificial teeth. A metal framework might also connect it to hold the denture in place. Partial dentures are used when at least one or multiple teeth are in any jaw. The partial denture fills in the spaces created by any missing teeth and prevents the adjoining teeth from changing position. If you have partial dentures, this article will describe the best way to take care of them.
Cleaning Your Partial Dentures
Your partial dentures need to be brushed every day. Gently brush them to remove the accumulated plaque. Brushing will also prevent stains on them. You can get denture brushes that are specially designed to clean dentures. They have bristles arranged specifically to fit the denture shape. A soft-bristled regular brush would also work. Hard bristled toothbrushes, however, might damage the denture.
Mild hand soaps or dish soaps can clean the partial dentures. Don’t use household cleaners, regular toothpaste or mouthwashes to clean them as they might be too harsh on the dentures.
It is ideal for standing on a towel or a sink filled with water while cleaning the dentures so that they are not damaged if you accidentally drop them. Thoroughly rinse the dentures to clean the food particles over them.
Moisten the toothbrush or denture cleaning brush and apply the cleaning material. Brush its surface gently to avoid damaging or bending the plastic or the metal.
You should also brush your gums, tongue, palate and surrounding teeth with a soft brush before putting the dentures in. This helps remove plaque in the mouth and improves your mouth health by boosting circulation.
Caring For Your Partial Dentures
Taking care of your partial denture will need more than just cleaning it, and you need to keep it moist to maintain its shape. Dentists advise keeping the dentures in a soaking solution or warm water overnight, which also makes cleaning them easier.
Don’t try to adjust the partial dentures yourself if they get damaged somehow. This might change the fit of your denture and cause sores or irritation. If there is a crack, break or loosening or one or multiple teeth- or if you feel it does not fit you correctly, immediately visit your dentist. In most cases, your dentist might be immediately able to fix the denture, or it might take some time as it will be sent to a laboratory for repair.
Final Thoughts
Additionally, you might face some problems like the dentures slipping. New dentures might take time to feel comfortable. You might notice the denture slightly slipping. This might happen while you eat or talk. However, if you see the slippage persisting, it might have a fit issue. Consult your dentist immediately.
You might also encounter denture slippage if you have been using the denture for a while, and this can probably be due to your teeth getting shifted or receding gum tissue. The dentures should be re-made or adjusted in such cases.
