Tooth decay attacks your mouth at all times of the day and at all levels. Most of the time, you only become aware of this when you go to the dentist or when you start to have a toothache. However, the battle against tooth decay starts long before you ever go to the dentist. Brushing your teeth and flossing are two things your dentist always reminds you to do. But there’s even more you can and should be doing to protect your teeth. Even if you already have partial dentures, you can still take great strides toward increasing your oral health by incorporating these techniques on a regular basis. These techniques will not harm your dentures, and they will also help freshen your breath. So really, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Chew Gum with Xylitol
Gum with xylitol as the sweetener slows tooth decay. It also helps to remove particles of food in your teeth and cleanse your gums. It’s important that you don’t just chew any gum though. Sugary gum can even accelerate tooth decay if you aren’t keeping them clean. A lot of teeth whitening gums come with the xylitol sweetener, and dentists are continuing to perform research to determine precisely whether xylitol can be used to reverse early cavities. The xylitol will also help to prevent corrosion and build up on your dentures.
Rinse After Meals
Brushing and flossing your teeth after meals is important. However, it’s important to rinse as well. Rinsing is gentler on the mouth and helps to flush out anything else that the toothbrush and floss did not catch. For best results, rinse with cool or tepid water. If you have sensitive teeth or sensitive gums, you shouldn’t use cold water, or else it may be painful. For some people with sensitive mouths or who have thin tooth enamel, rinsing after meals can serve as a substitute for brushing.
Only Drink Soda When Eating
The sugar, carbonated water, and acid within soda can wreak havoc on your teeth. While it is never harmless, you can help reduce the damage by only drinking soda when eating. As you are chewing the food, the food helps to cut down on the harmful effects. If you drink the soda alone, it just sits on your teeth, accelerating tooth decay. This is the worst case scenario. Even if you have full dentures, the combination of sugar and acid can eventually eat right through the protective layers. If you don’t have any food, you should at least drink water afterwards. This will dilute the sugar and acid content on your teeth.
Wait to Brush for 30 Minutes After Eating if Eating Acidic Food
It may sound counterintuitive to wait to brush your teeth until 30 minutes after eating, but it is actually quite important. Whenever you consume acidic foods or beverages, the enamel of your teeth is softened. This means that when you’re brushing them, you are wearing down the enamel even more. After waiting 30 minutes, you should rinse your mouth out with water and then brush your teeth. Just make sure to brush gently and avoid bearing down too hard on the gums and teeth.
