As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
Denture Care: 4 Potential Problems Caused by Improper Denture Care
Mabel Hicks
If you have missing teeth, dentures can improve your smile while allowing you to properly chew food again. However, it is important that your dentures are a good fit, that you know when to remove them and how to thoroughly clean your dentures. If your dentures do not fit well or if you do not remove or clean them, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing a range of health issues which are outlined below.
Bad breath
Food debris trapped in your dentures provides the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria break down the trapped food, releasing unpleasant gases. This can lead to bad breath. You can carry out a simple test to see if your dentures may be causing you to have bad breath. Remove your dentures and place them in a sealable plastic bag. Wait for a few minutes and then open the bag. If you can smell a bad odour, it is highly likely that your dentures cause you to have bad breath.
Gum disease
If you do not clean your dentures, food particles could begin to build up between the dentures and your gums. As bacteria feed on the particles, it can lead to bleeding, sensitive and receding gums. You should clean your dentures on a daily basis. To do this, remove the dentures and brush them using mild, non-abrasive household soap and a toothbrush which has soft bristles. You should then rinse the dentures using warm water and dry them using a soft cloth.
Mucous lesions
If you have a set of badly fitting dentures, they may begin to rub against the tissue with your mouth. This can lead to the development of painful mucous lesions and oral ulcers.
Pneumonia
Although it may feel like a chore at the end of the day, it is important that you remove your dentures before going to sleep, even if you feel extremely tired. Research has demonstrated that people who are aged 85 and over who sleep while wearing their dentures double their risk of developing pneumonia. Pneumonia is a very serious condition which can be fatal to immuno-compromised or elderly people.
If you have any questions about the best way to maintain your oral health, you should book an appointment with a dentist at a practice like Dr Michael Finkelstein Dental. They will be able to inspect your oral health and your dentures before offering suitable advice and treatment.
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