Taking care of your dentures

Your dentures are designed to last a very long time so it’s important that you take care of them as you would take care of your own teeth.

They are very delicate and may break easily if dropped even a few inches. So it’s a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a basin of water when handling dentures.

When you are not wearing your dentures, store them away from children and pets.

Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque.

Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy.

There are special brushes designed for cleaning dentures but a toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes as these can damage your dentures.

Some denture wearers also use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid for cleaning and that’s fine. But avoid using powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture.

The first step in cleaning dentures is to rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.

Dentures may lose their shape if they are allowed to dry out. When they are not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Never place dentures in hot water, which could cause them to warp.

Ultrasonic cleaners are also used to care for dentures. However, using an ultrasonic cleaner does not replace a thorough daily brushing.

You can seriously damage your dentures by trying to adjust or repair them yourself. So see your dentist if your dentures break, crack, chip or if one of the teeth becomes loose.

Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear. They may also need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear.

You need to make regular visits to your dentist to make sure the dentures are working as well as possible for you and to check for more serious problems in your mouth such as oral cancer.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Option is Best for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants and dentures are two of the most popular options. But which one is right for you? Here's a comparison of dental implants and dentures to help you make an informed decision:

Dental Implants:

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They consist of a titanium or zirconia post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. A custom-made artificial tooth is then attached to the post. Dental implants offer several advantages:

• They look and feel like natural teeth.

• They are a permanent solution and can last a lifetime with proper care.

• They can prevent bone loss in the jaw.

• They allow for normal chewing and speaking.

However, dental implants are a more expensive option than dentures and require surgery to place the post.

Dentures:

Dentures are removable artificial teeth that can replace multiple missing teeth. They come in two types: full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth. Dentures offer several advantages:

• They are a more affordable option than dental implants.

• They are removable, which can make cleaning easier.

• They can be adjusted or replaced as needed.

However, dentures can slip or move while eating or speaking, and they may not look or feel as natural as dental implants.

The choice between dental implants and dentures depends on several factors, including your budget, oral health, and personal preferences. While dental implants offer a more permanent solution, dentures may be a more affordable and convenient option for some people. Consulting with your dentist can help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you.

A Comprehensive Guide to Straighter Teeth

Having straight teeth not only improves your smile but also has a significant impact on your oral health. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Fortunately, there are several options available for teeth straightening, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at each of these options and help you decide which one is right for you.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are the most common option for teeth straightening. They consist of metal brackets and wires that are attached to the teeth and adjusted periodically to gradually move them into the desired position. While they are the most noticeable option, they are also the most effective in treating complex dental issues.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. Clear aligners are removable, making them easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene. They are also more comfortable than traditional braces and do not require as many adjustments. However, they are not suitable for all types of dental issues and may take longer to achieve the desired results.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but the brackets and wires are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible. They are an excellent option for those who are self-conscious about wearing braces but still require comprehensive teeth straightening. However, they can be more challenging to clean and may cause more discomfort than traditional braces.

Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing the right teeth straightening option depends on your specific dental issues and personal preferences. Your dentist or orthodontist can help you determine which option is best for you based on factors such as the severity of your dental issues, your age, and your lifestyle. They can also discuss the pros and cons of each option and answer any questions you may have.

In Conclusion

Teeth straightening is an essential aspect of maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. Traditional braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces are all effective options for achieving straighter teeth. It's important to consider factors such as the complexity of your dental issues, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences when choosing the right option for you. Consult with your dentist or orthodontist to discuss your options and determine the best course of action.

How older adults can handle dry mouth and taste problems

 Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem among older adults.

It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.

Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include:
– Constant sore throat
– Burning sensation
– Problems speaking
– Difficulty swallowing
– Hoarseness or dry nasal passages

Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form.

Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. For example, sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.

Another issue that can affect older adults is a loss of appetite due to a change in your sense of taste. Besides an age-related decrease in the sense of taste and smell, certain diseases, medications and dentures can contribute to a decrease in your sense of taste.

Whether you are suffering from dry mouth or problems with your sense of taste, your dentist will be able to make suggestions to help.

Maintaining proper nutrition as an older adult

 Maintaining proper nutrition is important for everyone, young or old but many older adults find it difficult to eat a balanced diet.

They may avoid meats, raw vegetables and fresh fruits because they have trouble chewing or swallowing.

These problems can be caused by painful teeth, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth or changes in facial muscles.

Others find their sense of taste has changed, sometimes due to a disease or certain medications.

As a result, older adults often have diets lacking in calcium, protein and other nutrients essential to dental and overall health.

A balanced diet has to be based on the five food groups:
– Milk and dairy products
– Breads and cereals
– Meats and dried beans
– Fruits
– Vegetables

Sometimes a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement will help but it’s best to use supplements only after discussion with your physician.

If your teeth are stopping you from eating the food you enjoy – or that you need for good health – your dentist will be able to help you find a solution.

How to stop your dentist using too much jargon

Having a good relationship with your dentist means they should be able to explain things clearly to you and talk to you in language you understand.

The challenge for the dentist is that, as with any type of medical and professional training, they have to learn many unusual and technical terms.

This jargon has a purpsoe as it allows professionals to communicate clearly with each other on the same basis.

But often there is no need to use this terminology with the patient. Using these terms becomes a habit and they forgat to translate for the patient.

Soemtimes. it’s easier to say what you are thinking to a patient rather than have to translate it into something he or she will understand. And the dentist is usually thinking using the jargon.

Many common dental words such as restoration (filling), dentition (set of teeth) and occlusion (how the teeth come together) can easily be translated into terms patients understand.

Your dentist wants to help you understand as much about your dental health as possible so they would prefer that you stop them and ask what terms mean or simply ask them to speak in plain English.

They often slip into jargon out of habit or because it allows them to communicate more easily with others on the team.

They want you to get the treatment you need and be satisfied. So they won’t mind if you stop and remind them to communicate more effectively.

How cosmetic dentistry can change your smile – and your life

Modern cosmetic dentistry has created many opportunities that did not exist before for people to improve their appearance and change the way they feel about themselves.

Although cosmetic dentistry really did not exist a few yaears ago, it now attracts interest from a wide range of people.

There are few people who don’t want to improve their appearance by making their teeth straighter and whiter so that they look better when they smile.

New technology and procedures have created many more opportunities for dentists to help patients look better.

One of the most important opportunities for doing this is porcelain veneers.

These are custom-made wafers that the dentist places over the front of the teeth to repair damage and make them look better.

They can overcome many cosmetic dental problems such as whitening stained or discolored teeth, closing gaps between teeth or correcting a crooked smile without the need for braces.

They can also cover up chips and imperfections so that the smile looks much better.

Another important cosmetic trend is the increased use of white fillings.

White fillings now are more lifelike than ever and they last longer than previously.

They have become the material of choice for many dentists as they blend in with teeth and look better.

If you feel your smile is less than perfect, talk to your dentist about how it could be better.

What to do if your tooth cracks

While our teeth are normally very strong, they can crack for a number of reasons.

Reasons could include tooth decay, trauma/injury, grinding of the teeth or a stress fracture.

Sometimes, our jaw may be stronger than our teeth and the teeth can fracture when we bite heavily on food.

We can protect our teeth in some circumstances – for example it may be advisable to wear a mouthguard during sports.

Taking proper care of the teeth and regular visits to the dentist will help keep your teeth in good shape.

If a tooth cracks, it may become painful if the nerve is exposed and the area can become tender.

If this happens, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then call your dentist immediately.

Treatment will depend on where the tooth has fractured, how close it is to the nerve and the overall condition of the tooth.

A cracked tooth may be repaired with silver alloy, gold, porcelain or plastic. Or it may require a crown or overlay or bonding, which applies porcelain or enamel to the fractured tooth.

If you contact your dentist quickly, they will be able to take the most appropriate action to preserve the tooth as much as possible.

How to make your smile brighter

 Your smile makes a huge difference to what people think about you and how you feel about yourself.

And there are many options available to help you improve the look and brightness of your smile, including:

In-office bleaching: During chair-side bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

At-home bleaching: There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. These include peroxide bleaching solutions, which actually bleach the tooth enamel. Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard.

Whitening toothpastes: All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes include special chemical or polishing agents that are more effective at removing stains. However, unlike bleaches, they don’t alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

Start by speaking to your dentist. He or she will tell you if whitening procedures would be effective for you as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration.