The following list of tips and insights will help you take better care of your dentures…

7 Minute Window

Eating and drinking is necessary to provide adequate nutrition for survival. There are acids present in food and drink that are necessary for digestion. However, the presence of acids in your mouth is unhealthy. In “Dirty Mouth” – Dr. Kravitz has discovered that people only have 7 minutes to protect themselves against dental diseases such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. Therefore, each of the following recommendations is given with those facts in mind.

Mouth Brushing

We recommend that you clean your entire mouth after every meal, snack or drink (other than plain water). We recommend that you use Colgate Total toothpaste. The paste is gentle to your gums and can help rid bacteria, fungi, and viruses from your mouth.

Also, the chemical triclosan allows the protective coating to last for up to twelve hours. Brushing your gums daily also helps to increase circulation and remove toxins through the lymphatic system. Remember to brush all surfaces inside the mouth such as the gums, upper jaw, lower jaw, inside the lips, tongue )top, sides and bottom), the checks, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth.

Denture Brushing and Soaking

Fill your sink with warm water. Remove your dentures over a sink filled with warm water to prevent breakage, should you drop them. Next, we recommend that you brush your denture with denture paste. Do not use toothpaste or baking soda, for they will prematurely wear the denture.

We recommend that you soak your dentures on a denture soak (do not use hot water to prevent the denture from shrinking) and immerse in an ultrasonic / UV disinfectant for 5 minutes. The vibrations and light combination will effectively remove stains, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This process will help keep your dentures fresh.

Mouth Washing

Next, we recommend that you rinse with a mouthwash (2-3 times / day) for 30 seconds to provide an additional layer of protection for your mouth. “Act Fluoride for Dry Mouth” is the safest rinse to increase the chance of oral health to prevent gum diseases and bad breath (for many people).

Rinsing with Water

Rinsing with water for 7 seconds, within the 7 minute window, has been shown to buffer the acids in your mouth and reduce sore spots. While rinsing with water is not a substitute for brushing, it is an alternative when impractical such as at business meetings, school classroom, commuting, etc.

Denture Adjustments

Never try to adjust your dentures yourself. This might cause harm to your mouth or damage to your dentures. Call your dentist to appoint for a denture adjustment to account for the changes in your gum tissue shapes (as they are always changing). If you need help, feel free to contact us.

Also, denture adhesive can be substituted with dental implants, such as the 3 Minute Implant™. No more gooey adhesive, sore spots or loose teeth. Dental implants can improve your chewing, speech and general quality of life!

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Be well and healthy!

Dr. Joe Kravitz, DDS, MS
Dentist, Prosthodontist, Author, Researcher
Rockville, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC