Your denture is part of your daily routine. You wear it each day and depend on it all day long. Like anything that you use each day, you become accustomed to its fit and any gradual changes that happen over time. Like your favorite pair of shoes, a great-fitting denture can also wear out over time.

How do you know if your dentures are wearing out or if you need them relined or even replaced? Some signs to watch for are:

• Sore areas under your dentures
• Difficulty chewing on one side of your mouth
• Loose-fitting dentures that don’t seal well
• The need to wear denture adhesive

Annual exams are an important part of keeping your dentures healthy. Some patients may require occasional adjustments, a re-lining, or even having their denture replaced. If you’ve worn your dentures for several years and they seem looser than they used to be, you’ll need to see your dentist. Even the best dentures can wear out to the point where they’re doing more harm than they are good.

To keep your dentures lasting longer, remember to take them out every night and soak them in a denture cleansing solution. Not only does this help your appliance stay cleaner, but it also provides necessary rest to the tissues inside of your mouth. Patients that do this will have fewer oral infections and less bone loss over time than patients that wear their dentures around the clock each day. In the morning, remove your dentures from the solution and brush them thoroughly to remove loose debris and stain buildup.

Remember to see your dentist at least once or twice a year to keep your dentures healthier, longer.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Mark Rowe, Rowe Family Dental Care

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