Here at Advanced Dental Center of Florence, we see many patients with various issues related to missing or damaged teeth. Denture wearers are also one of the most common dental devices we see as baby boomers start to age and enter their senior years. For this reason, we have compiled a list of a few important facts about dentures. Here are some lesser-known facts about dentures to help motivate patients to take excellent care of their dentures.
1) Keeping dentures clean.
Dentures have surface pores so consequently, a quick brushing every day may not be enough to thoroughly clean your dentures. Some might wonder if this is really a cause for concern. After all, everyone’s mouth is filled with germs. But researchers have isolated Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and hundreds of other nasty germs in and on dentures. Moreover, acrylic denture materials have no germ-fighting properties, so bacteria can easily reproduce within the surfaces and in crevices.
Another important reasons patients should control denture bacteria is to help prevent bad breath. Eighty-seven percent of denture wearers report that the bad smell of their dentures is a major concern.
2) Soak your dentures overnight!
According to dental experts, overnight soaking can kill 99.9 percent of denture germs. Check your local pharmacy which usually offers many denture cleaning options. This level of disinfection may not be reached with many quick-fix cleaning methods.
Many patients who adopt overnight denture soaking find that quick-soak during the day can help supplement their nighttime routine and help freshen their dentures during the day. A three- to five-minute soak may not achieve the 99.9 percent kill rate of an overnight soak, but can help dentures smell better after a meal or before a special event.
3) Dry mouth issues.
For patients who suffer from dry mouth, contaminated dentures pose potential health risks. The likelihood of dry mouth increases with the number of medications a person takes.
Under normal conditions, saliva provides a variety of protective functions and may be considered the mouth’s first line of defense against harmful bacteria. Denture wearers with reduced salivary flow should be particularly concerned about the cleanliness of their dentures. To relieve ongoing symptoms of dry mouth, dental hygienists can recommend oral moisturizers that provide symptomatic relief and aid denture retention.
4) Special considerations for older patients.
Older patients with or without dentures often have higher bacterial counts in their mouths. Researchers have discovered higher counts of lactobacilli and yeasts in the saliva of older people, particularly older denture wearers. For this reason, older mouths require more vigilant oral care. Dental hygienists can help by reviewing denture cleaning regimens and products with patients to ensure that they make nightly soaking part of their routine.
5) Dentures are a convenient and cost-effective option.
Some options to replace missing or damaged teeth can be expensive. Dentures are one of the less expensive options and can usually be provided without surgery or multiple doctors and painful healing.
6) When to replace dentures.
According to dental experts, the average full-mouth denture in the United States is 17.6 years old. It is also reported that 57 percent of denture wearers seldom or never receive recommended routine checkups. This can be a serious issue since dentures should be replaced every five to seven years.
Obviously, most patients hope to get many long years of wear out of their dentures. However, patients need to be aware that routine professional evaluations and cleanings can help prolong the life of both full and partial dentures.
Come See Dr. Griffin For All Your Denture Needs
The staff at Advanced Dental Center of Florence want patients in Florence, SC to know about the many ways they have for providing their patients exceptional denture care. If you have missing or damaged teeth, dentures are a wonderful and cost effective option. Dentures are durable, functional and can help fill out facial features that have been hollowed out by missing teeth. Would you like to know more about the dentures, the benefits or financing options? Come see us today, or check out the rest of our specially designed dentures website for more information. Restoring your smile and self-confidence with beautiful dentures could be as simple as a phone call!