How to care for our quality dentures so they stay in top shape!

Do you have embarrassing gaps in your smile where teeth used to be? Are you holding on to aching teeth that may need to come out? South Knox Dental is here for you! 

We partner with individuals from across Knoxville and Eastern Tennessee, helping patients select the best replacement teeth for their personal needs, preferences, and goals. Options include partial and full (complete) dentures. 

Additionally, we advise on daily care and ongoing maintenance for their dentures, to support a lifetime of healthy, attractive smiles.

Start off strong

It is normal for dentures to feel strange at first. Like braces or other oral appliances, there is an adjustment period. We generally encourage patients to:

• Keep up with their follow-up appointments. At least one follow-up visit is typically needed. We can adjust or refine the denture for comfort. Do not try adjustments at home! “Do-It-Yourself” kits can permanently damage dentures. Leave any repairs or adjustments to the professionals

• Choose soft yet nutritious foods. Soft foods are more forgiving. But beware of junk food! Reach for dentist-approved berries, olives, yogurt, hummus, steamed veg, and vitamin-fortified smoothies. Limit overly processed, easy-on-your-dentures meal options. Work your way up gradually to more chewy or fibrous foods. Once you have more confidence in chewing, cut crunchier foods into manageable slices. Then, incorporate chewy apples, bread, granola, and other “challenging” (yet still nutrient-dense) food items

• Practice makes perfect. “Train” yourself to speak clearly and pronounce words properly with your new teeth. Try exercises like “singing” phrases. Don’t hurry through it. This process helps you get used to forming words with the denture. Ask about dental creams, adhesives, and other products. These “helpers” can aid in speeding up the transition to wearing dentures. Sores and discomfort early into the process may interfere with your ability to quickly and easily function with your new teeth

• Clean denture components every day. While dental work does not decay like natural tooth structure, bacterial plaque can still accumulate and threaten other supportive tissues. Furthermore, inconsistent or inadequate denture care can threaten the health of any remaining teeth. First, rinse off the denture. This loosens lingering or sticky food particles. Then, moisten a soft cloth or toothbrush with soft bristles. Get your denture cleanser ready. Never use abrasive household cleaners or “standard” toothpaste on denture parts

• Brush all surfaces. Be careful when going over clasps or attachments. Bacteria tend to collect in these areas. Also, avoid brushing too hard. Otherwise, you could damage delicate attachments. Be mindful of areas that harbor bacteria and plaque (gums, tongue, palate). In these cases, use your usual toothpaste or rinse with salt water. Do not use denture cleansers on soft oral tissues. They are too irritating. Of course, if you have natural teeth left, brush them as you usually would. Don’t forget to floss

• Soak dentures overnight, and any time they are not in your mouth. A moist environment prevents the denture from drying out. So, its shape is retained. Keep dentures in warm (not hot) water to avoid warping. Use a special soaking product or a mixture of vinegar and water. We can recommend appropriate products based on the materials used to make your denture. Always ensure all food debris is removed before putting the denture back in your mouth. Otherwise, you are just relocating bacteria from one part of your mouth to another

It’s essential to visit South Knox Dental as advised by our dentist. During routine visits, he can check how your dentures are fitting. He may find cracks or other signs of wear that must be repaired. 

Since your mouth is constantly changing, we may recommend relining, rebasing, or replacing the denture as necessary to retain the proper fit that supports patient comfort, satisfaction, and healthy function! 

Call (865) 577-7535 to schedule a dentures consultation at our Knoxville, TN, office today.