If you think that getting dental prostheses solves all your tooth problems and you can ignore proper care, you are mistaken. Caring for dental prostheses must be thorough and regular—twice a day. In this article, we will cover all the nuances of hygiene.
Daily Hygiene Rules
Caring for removable prostheses is not complicated, but it is important to follow the proper routine:
- Brush the prosthetic device in the morning and evening, paying special attention to the inner surfaces.
- After brushing and eating, use a water flosser to remove all food residues from the oral cavity.
- Immediately after eating, remove the prosthesis and rinse it under running water.
Once you know the answer to the question, “How should I properly care for dental prostheses?” remember to perform periodic disinfection.
This can be done in two ways:
- Soak in a special disinfecting solution. Pharmacies sell it in the form of small dissolvable tablets. Place the prostheses in the solution for 15–20 minutes. Frequency: 3 times a week.
- Disinfect prostheses using an ultrasonic sterilizer.
By the way, if you decide to purchase sterilizing equipment, you can disinfect not only prostheses but also toothbrushes. Just make sure to sterilize items separately.
How to Store Dental Prostheses
Removable prostheses must be stored properly, otherwise they may deform. However, most patients do not know how to do this.
Here are some simple rules:
- Wear removable prostheses continuously during the first two weeks for proper adaptation.
- After two weeks, take breaks of about 6 hours between wearing them.
- Some types of prostheses must remain moist at all times. The best option is to buy a special soaking solution from a pharmacy. In a pinch, you can use regular drinking water.
- Use plastic, airtight boxes for storage.
- No other items, especially metal ones, should be in the container with the prosthesis, as metal parts may darken.
- Ensure prostheses are kept out of reach of children and pets, as this may damage the device.
Storing prostheses is not complicated. By following these rules, your prostheses will remain in good condition for a long time.
Products for Dental Prosthesis Care
Some patients think that because prostheses are artificial, they do not need care. In fact, they should be cleaned regularly, just like natural teeth. Tools for prosthesis care include:
- Toothbrush – soft or ultra-soft bristles are ideal for prostheses. Hard brushes can scratch the prosthesis surface, allowing bacteria to accumulate. Replace the brush every month.
- Prosthesis toothpaste – low-abrasive formulas are recommended. Sometimes dentists suggest using children’s toothpaste.
- Water flosser – an essential tool! It helps clean both natural teeth and prostheses, removing soft plaque, food residues, and cleaning interdental spaces.
Important! Unlike natural teeth, it is not recommended to use dental floss on prostheses, as this can damage them.
What Happens If You Don’t Care for Dental Prostheses Properly?
For the body, a prosthesis is a foreign object. Improper or irregular hygiene can cause many problems, including:
- Bad breath;
- Gum inflammation;
- Ulcers and sores in the mouth;
- Cavities in natural teeth;
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth;
- Darkening of the prostheses.
Once prostheses are installed, start maintaining proper hygiene. This will affect the longevity of the prosthetic devices, the aesthetics of your smile, and overall comfort.
If you are unsure which products to use, ask your dentist—they can help you choose the right ones!
