As we get older, our bodies go through a natural aging process. Our physical bodies often change in a variety of ways, from the grays in our hair to the natural wrinkles around our faces. When it comes to aging, our teeth may go through their own changes.
For many, the process of getting dentures is quite common. After the age of 65, many seniors will seek out a Winnipeg denture clinic to help them reinvigorate their smiles and improve their overall quality of life.
So what exactly does it mean to receive dentures, and how are you expected to take proper care of them? In this guide, we’ll answer those questions and provide some helpful tips along the way.
First, What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums formed into a patient’s mouth by their dentist. They’re designed to replace removed, lost, or damaged natural teeth. In some cases, the patient will receive a partial denture, which replaces either the top or bottom line of teeth. In other cases, full dentures are molded to replace the entire mouth.
Today, most dentures are made out of hard resin, and if uncared for, this fragile material can easily crack or chip. Hard resin is known to wear down at a faster rate than natural teeth and is often replaced every five years or so.
Caring for Your Dentures
No matter the type of denture you have, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. They may be artificial teeth, but they’re still susceptible to bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Dentures are an important part of your oral health, and if not cared for properly, they can be damaged — prompting an expensive visit to your dentist.
To properly clean your dentures, they should be removed from your mouth and run thoroughly under clean water. This will help dislodge any food particles stuck between the teeth, under the structure, or along the gum line. Next, using a denture brush, they should be softly brushed with mild soap or specialized denture cleaner. Using regular toothpaste, electric toothbrushes, or any harsh cleaners can be too abrasive and damage the denture materials.
It’s also important to clean any natural teeth and gums with a wet and soft toothbrush and toothpaste as needed. To properly preserve your dentures, be sure to remove them before sleeping and place in a glass of warm water to keep them from becoming dry and misshapen.
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The Benefits of Wearing Dentures
Dentures can offer a wide range of benefits to seniors of all ages, including but not limited to:
Health & Well-Being
Our smiles are an important part of our personalities. With partial or full dentures, they also offer significant health-related benefits. Dentures keep the mouth’s structure sound by supporting the structure around the lips and cheeks. They allow you to enjoy the foods you love that require chewing and they’re a beneficial alternative to replacing teeth that may be causing pain or oral issues.
Confidence
As we age, it’s not uncommon to lose confidence in our appearance. Dentures can provide seniors with the confidence they need to embrace their new phase of life. When cared for and maintained regularly, dentures can act as a tool to rebuild your confidence, knowing you have a winning smile you can show off.
