Proper Maintenance and Storage of False Teeth
For those with removable denture devices, learning how to best care for false teeth ensures proper hygiene, functionality and longevity of dental prosthetics. A key aspect is understanding effective storage methods to keep false teeth clean when not being worn.
Common Denture Materials
First, the main materials used to construct removable false teeth should be reviewed as storage needs may differ slightly among options:
- Acrylic: Plastic-based polymers; most affordable
- Porcelain: Glass-like ceramic; mimics tooth look
- Chrome Cobalt: Durable mixes of metals
- Valplast: Flexible injected resin compound
Daily False Teeth Cleaning
Before storage, always give false teeth a thorough daily cleaning session. Helpful habits include:
- Rinsing under lukewarm water after each meal
- Using specialized denture brush and paste to remove debris and bacteria buildup
- Soaking for 20-30 minutes in standard denture cleaning solution
- Gently brushing gums and tongue to clear remaining particles
Avoiding Damage While Out of the Mouth
When handling false teeth outside the mouth, be extremely careful to avoid drops, fractures or warping which require expensive repairs and replacements. Strategies to prevent damage include:
- Placing over soft towels if removing mid-meal
- Investing in secure carrying cases for travel outside home if unable to wear
- Using both hands when handling to distribute structural stress
Nightly Overnight Storage
Never sleep with false teeth still in the mouth - this blocks saliva flow keeping tissues healthy. Recommended routines for overnight denture storage include:
Cleansing
Before bed, use soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush false teeth. Then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Moisturizing
Apply adhesive insides of dentures with biocompatible moisturizer cream prescribed by dentists before setting inside storage container. This prevents warping and cracking issues.
Soaking
Submerge and soak false teeth fully overnight in standardcleanser solution - Polident and Efferdent are trusted brands.
Sealing
Protect cleansed dentures in sturdy, leak-proof custom dental storage boxes overnight.
Daytime Temporary Storage
When false teeth must be briefly removed for periods during day, certain protocols maintain denture integrity.
Short-Term Cleansing Bath
For less than 4 hours without wear, soak false teeth in cool clean water or mouthwash to avoid bacterial accumulation and tooth staining.
Longer Term Hydration Holding
If out longer than 4 hours, continue same soaking steps but use moisturizer creams inside dentures and refresh hydration soak every 2 hours.
Precautionary Handling
When removing false teeth, gently handle by the edges or over a wrapped surface. Avoid pulling too hard on onesection which can misalign dental positioning long-term or even crack fragile components.
Traveling with False Teeth
Leaving home for any length of time requires adapting dental storage strategies to maintain false teeth wellness.
Care Kits
Keep a dedicated small bag with travel-sized toothbrush, cleansing paste, solution, hydrating cream, storage cases, and soft protective wraps specifically for dentures.
Container Packing
Seal cleaned false teeth tightly inside hard protective cases, then wrap again gently in soft pouches, tissue or towels to buffer against luggage impacts.
Accessibility
In carry-ons, keep false teeth nearby for periodic rehydrating soaks if long stretches pass where they cannot be worn.
Expert Dentist Tips
Consulting dental providers directly offers more individualized guidance around properly caring for unique false teeth situations.
Custom Cleanser Directions
The construction of some dental materials like chrome cobalt requires avoiding certain chemical cleansers. Dentists prescribe compatible options.
Specialty Storage Cases
Dentists often provide or recommend optimal storage containers and travel cases for enhanced protection.
Routine Reassessments
See dentists at least yearly to check for proper fit and function as changes in the mouth and shifting teeth affect appliance wear and storage.
Implications of Improper False Teeth Storage
Ignoring appropriate overnight and daytime storage can breed serious oral health and appliance problems.
Gum Irritation and Disease
Trapping old food debris against gums for prolonged periods without adequate cleansing routines leads to inflammation, swelling, recession, and increasedinfection entry points.
Oral Malodor
Bacteria accumulation on uncleansed false teeth and real oral tissue emits foul odors over time.
Tooth Deterioration
Drying out false teeth causes cracks inviting decay-causing particles deeper inside over time until expensive refitting is required.
Loss of Fit
Infrequent dentist reevaluations means missed changes in the mouth which cause once snug-fitting false teeth to become annoyingly loose and slippery.
Conclusion
Protecting dental investments in false teeth hinges heavily on learning proper cleaning and storage techniques for overnight, daily, and travel situations. Alongside routine dental care, such mindful maintenance preserves appliance integrity and oral health simultaneously.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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