As we age, our smiles do too! It may seem like caring for our teeth becomes less important as we get older, but it shouldn’t fall to the wayside.
The nerves in our mouth actually get smaller, making it harder to detect cavities. According to Senior Living, more than 30% of older adults have untreated cavities, and almost 25% of adults between 65 and 74 have gum disease.
It’s true that caring for your oral health will help you maintain your overall well-being! Keep in mind that no matter what age, it is important to brush and floss twice a day as well as visit the dentist twice a year.
Caring for Dentures
If you want to maintain your pearly whites, keeping up with your dental health is necessary. This may mean eventually discussing dentures with your dentist. It’s not uncommon for seniors to experience tooth loss; in fact, 30% of older adults have no remaining teeth.
Dentures are an affordable alternative for many seniors. Similar to natural teeth, dentures require attention. There are 7 steps we recommend to keep your dentures in shape.
7 Steps for Taking Proper Care of Your Dentures
- Clean your mouth and gums twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush or gauze. Don’t forget about your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth.
- After you eat, clean your dentures to make sure there are no loose food particles hanging around.
- Handling your dentures with care is important! When you are cleaning your dentures, be mindful of the clasps and make sure not to bend the plastic.
- Keep your dentures in water or a mild denture solution overnight so they don’t lose their shape.
- Brush your dentures twice a day to remove food and adhesives.
- In the morning, rinse your dentures before putting them in your mouth—especially if they have been sitting in denture solution!
- It’s especially important to keep up with your dental visits twice a year. Dentures are capable of loosening from time to time. To keep from damaging your dentures, make sure to see your dentist regularly.
What Not to Do with Your Dentures
Dentures are an investment and require proper care. Although dentures are a durable solution, they can be damaged. To maintain your dentures, do not use a rough bristled brush, harsh cleaners, whitening toothpastes or products containing bleach. When soaking your dentures, avoid very hot water as this could warp your smile.
If you have any questions regarding your dentures, it’s best to schedule a checkup with your dentist!