Looking after your dentures is not the same as looking after your teeth
Looking after your denture is important for both the health of your mouth and the denture. It’s not the same as caring for natural teeth, though, with specialised products required.
Dentures Plus owner Ryan Carlton says the Caldent cleaning solution and a soft-bristle toothbrush are the two most important items.
Both are sold by Dentures Plus over the counter and via the clinic’s website, along with denture baths and a selection of pain-relief products.
Ryan says a lot of people start running low on supplies after the holidays but they should avoid using toothpaste.
“Toothpaste is abrasive and can cause tiny scratches where food and plaque build up. That can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Caldent is by far the best option," he says.
“You should also be using a soft brush designed for dentures so you don’t wear down the teeth.
“The other thing to be careful of is that you don’t drop the denture, or it could lose its snug fit. It may be a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a basin full of water when doing the cleaning, just in case.”
A professional checkup is also advised every 2-3 years to ensure the denture still fits well and there are no emerging problems.
The jaw naturally changes shape over time, like every part of the body, so it is sometimes necessary to reline the denture’s interior surface to restore a comfortable, moulded fit.
If a denture becomes damaged or left until it starts to slip, bite force can be greatly reduced, limiting the variety of foods a person can eat. Discomfort and sores are also more likely and there is a higher chance of the denture slipping out mid-laugh or during a conversation.
Ryan says at that point, people lose the main benefits a denture provides, including a better diet and more social confidence.
“Getting dentures is a sizable investment and they may last 10 years, but you do need checkups.
“We look at the denture, gums, any remaining teeth and the tongue for abnormalities such as potential oral cancers or growths – things that can become major problems if they go unnoticed.
“If we catch an issue with the denture early on, it's usually a simple fix,” he says.
Dentures Plus provides a full range of denture services, including the provision of partial, full, implant and “immediate” dentures.
Ryan says after the disruptions of 2020, everyone at the clinic is now looking forward to the new year. He will be on light duties until the end of January, though, after breaking his foot dirt-biking.
The pastime is characteristic of the friendly, down-to-earth team who match their professionalism with plenty of support and good cheer.
“We take our job seriously but we do love to see our patients smile,” Ryan says.
Call Dentures Plus on 03 385 5517 . The clinic is located at 396 Innes Rd, St Albans.
You might also like
Book a Service Today
Free No Obligation Consultation
Our team is here to help you find the right dental solution
Christchurch
396 Innes Road,
St Albans,
Chch 8052
Kaiapoi
123 Williams Street,
Kaiapoi 7630
Call
(03) 385 5517
Dentures Plus has grown to become one of the most experienced dental labs in the country
Quick Links
Follow Us
Working hours
- Mon - Thu
- -
- Friday
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed