Whether you are wearing partial or complete cosmetic teeth, keeping
them clean is as essential as keeping your natural teeth in tip-top shape.
Similar to natural teeth, cosmetic teeth experience wears and chips, as well as
accumulate plaque. Therefore, they must also be kept clean and free from stains
to ward off dental issues such as oral thrush or denture stomatitis.
For excellent cosmetic teeth care, here’s what you can do.
Tip #1: Handle your dental appliance carefully.
When cleaning your cosmetic teeth, make sure that you do not damage
or bend its clasps and plastic. Also, avoid accidentally dropping them by
standing over a sink full of water or a folded towel when handling them.
Tip #2: Rinse your cosmetic teeth regularly.
Brushing and rinsing them daily will eliminate food particles and
diminish plaque buildup. In addition, brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush
helps avoid permanent stains or discoloration on cosmetic teeth. Do not
use toothbrushes with hard bristles as they can wear or damage the cosmetic
appliance.
Tip #3: Soak them overnight.
To keep their shape, these removable cosmetic appliances should
remain moist. So when you are not wearing them or before going to bed, soak
them in water or a mild denture cleanser soaking solution. Cosmetic teeth with
metal attachments should not be soaked in solutions that contain chlorine as it
tarnishes the metal. Also, do not soak it in hot water to prevent it from
warping. If you are uncertain, check with your dentist. He/she may recommend
effective methods for caring for and storing your false teeth.
Tip #4: Use a denture cleaner.
Toothpaste is not a good cleaner as this contains abrasives that
can damage your cosmetic teeth. Instead, clean them using a denture cleaner,
mild dishwashing liquid, or hand soap. Avoiding bleach is also a wise move.
Using it may whiten the pink portion of your dental appliance, and weaken them
over time.
Tip #5: Give your mouth a rest.
Wearing the removable appliance all day and night can do harm on
your mouth. To prevent infections and keep your gums and remaining teeth
healthy, remove the dental appliance every night. Also, you want to brush your
tongue, palate, teeth and gums before replacing the cosmetic teeth back in your
mouth in the morning. Doing so will eliminate plaque, and stimulate circulation
in the mouth. Pay close attention to the teeth where the metal clasps fit. This
is where plaque gets trapped, increasing the risk of decay. You can also rinse
your mouth with a mixture of lukewarm water and salt to help clean the gums.
Tip #6: Schedule regular check-ups.
Typically, you should visit your dentist every after six
month. But if you have false teeth, your dentist will advise you about how
frequent you should visit to have your dental appliance examined and
professionally cleaned. Periodic dental visits will also ensure that your
cosmetic teeth fit perfectly, preventing discomfort. If your false teeth become
loose, see your dentist right away to prevent sores, infection and irritation.