5 Things You Should Know About Dentures

Dentures are artificial teeth-replacing devices that are held in place by the surrounding hard and soft tissues of the mouth cavity. Traditional dentures can be taken out. Though there are numerous denture designs, and some of them rely on cementing or fastening to natural teeth or dental implants. According to the American College of Prosthodontist, more than 36 million Americans are without teeth, and 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth (n.d.). These numbers are expected to grow over the next decade, increasing the need for dentures and denture education.  

1. There are two types of dentures: Full dentures replacing all the teeth in one jaw, and partial dentures, replacing only a few teeth. Talk with your dentist to find what type of denture works best for you. 

2. A common problem when first wearing dentures is articulation problems. It can take a few weeks to adjust to new dentures, making certain words harder to pronounce. To help solve this problem, practice reading challenging words out loud. This will take time, but with practice, you will be comfortable speaking with your new dentures.  

3. Taking care of your dentures is vital to your oral health. Continue to brush twice daily, focusing on the inside of your cheeks, gums, and tongues. This will help to remove food debris, bacteria, and plaque buildup on the dentures. If you have any remaining teeth, be sure to continue brushing them as you normally would to prevent gum disease and decay. Remember to use mouthwash designed for denture-wearers.  To keep your dentures fresh, soak them overnight in a denture cleaning solution which can kill up to 99.9% of germs on dentures.  

4. Certain products can cause damage to your dentures. Abrasive toothpastes can scratch dentures, creating small crevices where bacteria can collect. Find a fluoride-based denture toothpaste and avoid teeth whitening toothpastes. Hard bristled toothbrushes can wear down dentures, so use a soft bristled brush designed for dentures.  

5. Regular examinations and denture cleaning are crucial. Find out from your dentist how frequently you should get your dentures cleaned and checked. These checkups can assist to guarantee appropriate fitting, reducing slippage, and relieve discomfort from your dentures. 

Sources 

Facts & Figures. American College of Prosthodontist. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://www.gotoapro.org/facts-figures/