Dentures Series

Caring for your Dentures

Now that you have received your denture, it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure its success.

Chewing and eating

To protect your denture, avoid chewing ice or other hard objects. If small pieces of food work their way under your denture while you eat, simply remove your denture and rinse it with water.

Brushing and flossing

Brush your tongue, gums, palate, and any remaining teeth at least twice a day to keep them free of plaque and bacteria. Brushing also massages the gums and keeps your breath fresh. In addition, we may recommend dental floss, mouth rinses, or other chewing aids.

Cleaning your denture

Clean your denture over a sink full of water to prevent your denture from breaking if it is accidentally dropped. Use a denture brush and a denture cleaning product at least once a day to thoroughly clean all of the surfaces of your denture. We may recommend special denture cleansers or brushes. Also, soak your denture periodically in a commercial soaking solution, or, if you denture has no metal parts, you can soak it in a solution of half white vinegar and half water. After soaking, rinse dentures thoroughly in cool water.

Sleeping and storing your denture

Unless we tell you otherwise, remove your denture for sleeping or for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Store your denture in a soaking solution whenever it is out of your mouth, so it does not dry out.

When to call us

Call us right away if your denture breaks, cracks, or chips, or if a tooth becomes loose, so we can properly repair it. Also call us if your bite feels uneven, your dentures become loose, you have sore spots, irritation, swelling, or discomfort, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Hidden Dangers: Plaque

Disclosing Tablets

Plaque detective

Using disclosing tablets is a good way to find the plaque that is left on your teeth after brushing and flossing. Disclosing tablets are made with a harmless vegetable dye that stains plaque red.

Why use disclosing tablets

Disclosing tablets can work to prevent cavities and periodontal disease by helping you see the plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food and bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Because plaque is colorless, it can be hard to see. You can see how it shows up after the disclosing tablet stained it with red vegetable dye. If plaque is not removed every day, it builds up and hardens to become tartar, which becomes stained blue. It takes professional help to remove tartar. There is no way for you to effectively remove tartar at home. A toothbrush or floss will not remove the hardened tartar. It is important to keep your teeth and gums free of plaque and tartar because they are the main cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease. That is why it is important that you find and remove all the plaque at home every day.

How to use disclosing tablets

To use disclosing tablets, first brush and floss. Then simply chew a tablet, swish it around your mouth, and rinse with water. Use a small dental mirror to check your teeth for any signs of red, especially near the gumline. Brush and floss these missed areas again until the red is gone. Using disclosing tablets, you can improve your homecare technique and keep your smile healthy.

Homecare Series

Oral Irrigator

Practicality of using an oral irrigator

Cleaning your teeth and gums with an oral irrigator can be a great idea for several reasons. Many people use the powered stream of water to help remove bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Others use an oral irrigator because it makes it easier to clean around braces, bridgework and implants. Some use an oral irrigator to help control periodontal disease. No matter why you choose an oral irrigator, you will get the best results when you correctly use it.

How to use an oral irrigator

Begin by filling the reservoir with lukewarm tap water according to the manufacturer’s directions. Depending on your situation, we may recommend that you use saline (water mixed with salt), an antiseptic mouthwash, or a medicated solution instead of water. Choose the best tip for your oral condition. If you are using a regular tip, place it at a 90-degree angle to the gumline, almost touching the tooth. If you are using a tip that is designed for rinsing below the gumline, place it against the tooth at a 45-degree angle, and gently move the tip into the tiny groove between the tooth and gum. Set the pressure to the lowest setting and turn on the irrigator. Close your tips slightly, allowing the liquid to flow out of your mouth. Move the tip along the gumline, pausing for a few seconds at the spaces between your teeth. If you are rinsing below the gumline, make sure to reach into each gum groove as you go. Irrigate around all the teeth, especially the back teeth.

How we can help

Ask us if you have any questions about choosing or using an oral irrigator. We are happy to offer tips for keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Crowns Series - Homecare

Homecare – Permanent Crowns
Now that we’ve placed your permanent crown, it’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure its success.

Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing until numbness has completely worn off. To protect your crown, avoid chewing ice or other hard objects.

Brushing and flossing
Brush and floss normally, but if your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure, you can use a desensitizing toothpaste. If sensitivity increases or persists beyond a few days, call us.

Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.

To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Use about one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for your gums to be sore for several days.

When to call us
Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have persistent sensitivity or discomfort, or if you have any questions or concerns.