Dentures replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. They can be “complete” dentures, where they replace all of the teeth and are removable. Or they can be partial dentures, which may replace just a tooth or two. These types of dentures are often called bridges. Personal care at home providers can help seniors with proper denture care.
Why Dentures Need Special Care
Just like natural teeth, dentures can develop plaque, which harbors bacteria. That bacteria can lead to bad breath, as well as harbor infectious antibodies that can make your loved one ill.
While dentures have some similarities to teeth, the care needed for them is a bit different than flossing and brushing natural teeth. Your loved one may need help with denture care from personal care at home providers or instructions on how to best care for her dentures to keep them in the best shape and ensure that her oral health isn’t compromised.
Care Tips for Denture Wearers
Your loved one should follow these tips. If she is unable to care for her dentures herself, she might need the help of a caregiver or a personal care at home attendant. A personal care at home provider can assist in cleaning and inspecting dentures, as well as providing assistance with placement.
If your loved one struggles with remembering to clean her dentures, having a personal care at home provider help with some of these care steps can ensure your loved one’s dentures remain in good shape.
Tip #1: When removing dentures, do so over a bowl of water or folded towel so that if they accidentally fall, they’ll have a safe place to land and won’t break or crack.
Tip #2: Plan on removing dentures each night to give the gums a rest. They should remain outside of the mouth for at least six hours each day.
Tip #3: While the dentures are out, brush any natural teeth, gums, and tongue to remove bacteria and plaque that may have built up in those areas.
Tip #4: Clean the dentures to prevent stains and eliminate any plaque and bacteria that have built up on them during the day.
- First, rinse the dentures in warm (not hot) water to remove any food particles.
- Using a brush designed for denture care, gently brush them with a denture cleanser. Do not use toothpaste.
- Make sure the brush being used has soft bristles so as not to scratch the dentures while brushing.
Tip #5: Store dentures in lukewarm water, not hot. If your loved one has a denture-cleaning liquid, they can soak in that overnight. Never leave them sitting out on a counter or bedstand without soaking in either water or denture-approved liquid. This can cause them to dry out and alter their shape.
Your loved one’s dentures should be regularly examined by her dentist for fit and to make sure they are still in good shape. Jaws and the shape of gums can change over time, making dentures that once fit fine no longer have a great fit. Dentures that don’t fit well can cause mouth pain and even sores that may get infected. Most dentures need to be replaced about every five years based on wear.
Dentures are an important part of your loved one’s well-being. They help her eat more foods, communicate more clearly, and boost her self-confidence. Do not overlook the importance of caring for your loved one’s dentures and personal care at home services to help.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Personal Care at Home in Dixon, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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