With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many of us have butterflies in our stomachs while we stress about that big date we have coming up. Valentine’s Day usually involves exchanging a kiss or two, and you may be worrying about how you can kiss if you wear dentures. The good news is that there should be no problem with kissing with dentures as long as they are in good shape! Here’s a brief guide to keeping your false teeth in great shape for those magical moments.
Keep Your Dentures Clean
A beautiful smile is an incredibly attractive thing, and dentures are a great way to have one after extensive tooth loss. However, these dental appliances must be properly cleaned and maintained to remain in presentable condition. While the artificial teeth in a modern set of dentures are incredibly durable and lifelike, they can accrue stains and buildup over time, leaving them with an unclean yellowish-brown appearance. These accumulations of bacteria and food residue can also lead to unpleasant odors and nasty oral infections.
The good news is that dentures are easy to clean and maintain. It’s a great idea to rinse your dentures off to help wash away food debris whenever you remove them, and it’s particularly important to rinse them off after eating. At home, be sure to brush them thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and a nonabrasive toothpaste. Dentures must also be soaked for at least eight hours every day, so it’s best to take them out for this before you go to bed.
Make Sure Your Dentures Fit Well
Your mouth will continue to grow and develop after you get dentures, and your appliance can warp if you don’t clean it properly. A poorly-fitting pair of dentures can slip and slide about in your mouth, making it difficult or embarrassing to speak, eat, and kiss. Luckily, taking proper care of your dentures can help maintain their fit for longer.
To make sure your dentures fit well for as long as possible, never wash or rinse them with non-approved cleansers or hot or cold water, as these can cause their pieces to deform. However, your dentures will eventually need to be adjusted in order to keep fitting properly. If you find that your dentures are not holding their places securely, talk to your dentist about having them relined.
About the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2011, and he has completed over 500 hours of continuing education courses. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in San Antonio, TX offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. For more tips on caring for your dentures, contact his office online or dial (210) 590-2736.