On the busy subway in Guangzhou, Chen Bo, a 67-year-old retired worker, met his family doctor, Dr. Wang. This chance encounter was not only a simple exchange, but also opened up a new understanding of the importance of oral health. Due to years of fatigue and negligence, Chen Bo suffered from dental problems. In a conversation with Dr. Wang, he expressed his doubts and concerns about wearing dentures. Dr. Wang not only provided professional advice, but also encouraged Chen Bo to go to the hospital to learn more. At the hospital, Chen Bo not only received specific instructions on dentures, but more importantly, he began to realize the critical role of oral health in old age.
Dentures should be carefully avoided to ensure that they are hygienic, clean and strong
Importance of Cleanliness:
Common problems after dentures include bad breath, changes in the taste of food, and indigestion. These problems often stem from improper cleaning of dentures. The accumulation of bacteria can not only lead to mouth sores, but may also increase the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, dentures should be rinsed thoroughly with water after each meal to remove food debris and prevent bacterial growth. Special care should be taken to avoid using regular toothpaste and toothbrushes to clean dentures, as these products may scratch the surface of the dentures and become a breeding ground for bacteria. It is advisable to use a specialized denture cleaner for deep cleaning on a regular basis.
Avoid drying:
Many people are Xi to leaving their dentures at will, such as on a table or wrapped in paper. Not only is this unhygienic, but it can also lead to damage to the dentures. Due to the nature of the material, dentures are prone to cracks or deformation in dry environments. Even a slight deformation can cause discomfort and irritation of the oral mucosa. Therefore, dentures should be washed and soaked in clean water immediately after removal to maintain their shape and function.
Adapting to eating Xi:
When dentures are used, hard or sticky foods can cause dentures to break or dislocate, or even damage the gums. Therefore, one should try to avoid gnawing on bones, eating nuts, sticky rice, and other foods that are difficult to chew. When you first start using dentures, it is advisable to eat soft and rotten foods so that you can make appropriate adjustments during follow-up examinations. While hard foods don't have to be avoided entirely, they should be eaten in moderation and large pieces of food should be cut into smaller pieces for easier chewing.
Pay attention to temperature sensitivity:
Although dentures themselves are insensitive to temperature and irritating foods, gums are susceptible. Excessively hot foods, such as hot tea or soup, can make gums, which are already sensitive from dentures, more fragile and cause oral discomfort. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid foods that are too cold, too hot, or irritating to protect gum health.
What problems should the elderly pay attention to when wearing dentures?
First of all, in order to maintain oral health, it is recommended to remove dentures while sleeping, which helps the oral tissues to rest and recover, and prevents the risk of accidental loss or swallowing of dentures. If it's too hard to remove, make sure you clean it at least once a day. Daily cleaning of dentures is crucial. A special denture brush and detergent should be used to remove food residue and plaque. Be careful to avoid using excessively hot water or cleaners containing bleaching ingredients, as this may damage the material and color of your dentures. Also, never use hard or sharp tools to scrape your dentures to avoid scratching the surface. In addition to daily cleaning, regular disinfection of dentures is necessary to destroy bacteria that may remain on the dentures. It is recommended to use a special disinfectant solution or disinfectant tablet for soaking, and operate strictly according to the instructions. Avoid using alcohol or mouthwash for disinfection, which may affect the quality and effectiveness of your dentures.
When dentures are not worn, they should be stored in a clean, safe, and protected from light, preferably in a dedicated denture box, with an appropriate amount of water or moisturizer added to prevent them from drying out or deforming. Be careful not to expose dentures to extremely high or low temperatures, and not to expose dentures to children or pets. Finally, it is also very important to visit the hospital regularly for denture check-ups and adjustments to adapt to changes in the oral cavity. If dentures have problems such as cracks, breakage, looseness, or discoloration, they should be repaired or replaced promptly. In general, the recommended lifespan of removable dentures is 3 to 5 years, while fixed dentures are 5 to 10 years. With the right use and care methods, you can prolong the life of your dentures and maintain your oral health.