As we age, encounter accidents, or suffer from dental issues like cavities and severe periodontal disease, tooth loss – partial or complete – can significantly impact our facial appearance, speech, and chewing abilities.
In such cases, promptly adopting dental prosthetics, or false teeth, becomes crucial to restoring these functions. However, despite their sturdy appearance, dental prosthetics require meticulous care to prolong their lifespan and prevent oral health complications.
China Dental Lab Insights: Caring for Your Prosthetics
At reputable dental labs in China, such as those found within the China dental laboratory network, professionals emphasize the importance of proper maintenance to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of dental prosthetics. Here are some behaviors that can inadvertently harm your prosthetics:
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Dry Storage: Due to material limitations, leaving your prosthetics in a dry environment can lead to cracking and deformation. This not only makes wearing them uncomfortable but also irritates the oral mucosa. After removal, thoroughly clean your prosthetics and soak them in cool, boiled water to prevent deformation. Avoid soaking them in alcohol, vinegar, or saline solutions, as these can corrode or dissolve the material. Maintaining oral hydration and regular rinsing is also advised.
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Insufficient Cleaning: Failing to thoroughly clean your prosthetics can result in foul breath, reduced appetite, and gastrointestinal issues, along with oral ulcers and cavities. Proper cleaning involves rinsing after every meal to remove food residue and prevent bacterial growth. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as its abrasive agents can scratch the surface of your prosthetics, fostering bacterial growth. Instead, opt for periodic soaking in a diluted baking soda solution to inhibit fungal proliferation.
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Consuming Extremely Hot Foods: Wearing prosthetics can already sensitize your gums; combining this with hot foods can exacerbate discomfort. Avoid consuming foods that are too hot, cold, or spicy. For added comfort, consider prosthetics made from pure titanium, which insulates against temperature extremes, protecting your gums from soreness sensations.
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Chewing Hard Objects: Eating sticky or hard foods with prosthetics can cause breakage, dislodgement, or gum damage. Early on, stick to soft, easily chewable foods. However, incorporating slightly harder or crunchy foods like small pieces of apple or pear into your diet 2-3 times a week can help exercise your gums and jaw muscles.
Tips from China Dental Lab Experts:
- To ensure oral hygiene and protect your gums, remove and thoroughly clean your prosthetics after meals.
- Store them overnight in a dedicated case to maintain the health of your oral mucosa.
- Simple rinsing with water suffices for daily cleaning; avoid hot water or alcohol immersion, which can age and deform your prosthetics.
- Promptly address any discomfort or ill-fitting issues to prevent unnecessary wear on your oral tissues and gums.
By incorporating these practices, you can enjoy the benefits of dental prosthetics while safeguarding your oral health, with the support of skilled professionals at dental labs across China.