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Forget the image of dentures sitting in a glass of water next to the bed! Dentures require active care, not just a nightly soak. Improper denture care leads to bad breath, unsightly stains, diseased gums, and damage to the dentures. Daily dental hygiene should include these measures.
- Brush your tongue and gums with a soft brush to keep your breath fresh and your gums healthy.
- Brush your dentures at least once a day with denture-cleaning products.
- Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution (1 teaspoon of ordinary table salt in 1/2 cup warm water) after meals and before going to bed.
- Don't leave your dentures where they can be lost or accidentally damaged.
- Cut your food into bite-size pieces.
- Chew your food slowly and avoid biting down hard.
- Dentures make your mouth less sensitive to both heat and cold. So check the temperature of food and beverages before eating or drinking to avoid burning yourself.
- See your dentist if you have any of the following problems.
- Gums that bleed or hurt after brushing.
- White or red spots in your mouth that don't clear up within two weeks.
- Dentures that become damaged. (Don't try to repair dentures yourself.)
- Difficulty talking, eating, and chewing when wearing your dentures.
- Dentures that slip and don't fit well.
To help keep your dentures fitting properly, see your dentist at least once a year.
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