People are getting older and older – but this does not always apply to their teeth. Then the so-called “third teeth” are in demand. Regardless of whether removable dentures or fixed dentures: dealing with “the third teeth” is initially unfamiliar and requires some getting used to. We give you tips on how to handle and properly care for your third teeth.
New dentures: first a phase of getting used to them
It will take a few days to get completely used to your new teeth. For example, it may be difficult to speak some sounds at first. The quickest way to get a handle on these hurdles is with a little speech training, undisturbed in front of the mirror. It will also take time for the jaw to practice eating and chewing with third parties. It is best not to use the incisors first. The easiest way to make the transition is to eat soft foods with small bites for the first few days.
Properly care for third teeth
Whether you have a removable denture or a fixed denture, oral hygiene is just as important for third teeth as caring for real teeth, because bacterial plaque can also form on artificial teeth. Plaque causes inflammation of the gums and jawbone, which can damage the valuable implants. To avoid costly repairs, here are some helpful tips that will hopefully keep you enjoying your third teeth for a long time.
The proper care of removable dentures
The following tips will help you properly care for a removable denture:
- After each meal, it is important to clean the dentures. Here, it is usually enough to remove the dentures from the mouth and rinse under clean water.
- Once a day with a special denture brush cleaned, the main care is already done.
- It is recommended to additionally still use a denture cleaner, which ensures with special cleaning substances that already formed plaque and calciferous tartar can detach again.
- Dental floss and oral irrigators can be used as usual in addition to also give the necessary care and purity to the interdental spaces and are also absolutely recommended for the third teeth.
- When wearing full dentures, the gums should also be massaged regularly, preferably daily, because the denture covers the oral mucosa on the jaw and palate and thus prevents the natural cleaning by saliva and tongue.
- Cleaning of removable dentures is ideally done over a sink filled with water – so the denture does not break easily if it falls off.
- If you take out your dentures for a long time, it is best to store the dentures in water.
Care tips for fixed dentures
For fixed dentures, such as crowns, partial crowns, implants or bridges, you should follow these tips for proper care:
- Clean the teeth or dentures twice a day with a toothbrush.
- Interdental brushes (interdental brushes), dental floss and possibly supplementary oral irrigators should be used once a day to clean the interdental spaces. Special dental floss for implant cleaning is commercially available. Interdental brushes should be metal-free so as not to scratch the surface of the implants.
- It is best to use a fluoride toothpaste without abrasives.
- Do not neglect regular preventive care and go to the dentist for a check-up twice a year is best.
When dental care is difficult
Older people in particular often find it difficult to identify plaque on third teeth and properly clean dentures due to declining eyesight and manual dexterity. The help of caregivers or relatives may then be necessary to ensure daily dental care. In some cases – especially when limited by a physical disability – a toothbrush with an individually designed handle can also make dental care easier.
Thirds no longer fit properly – now what?
With a removable denture, it is quite normal for the denture to lose its hold over time.This is because the chewing pressure is first transferred to the oral mucosa and only then to the jawbone – instead of natural teeth, which absorb the pressure themselves and pass it on to the bone in a softened form. The jawbone degrades due to the heavy load. A regular visit to the dentist at intervals of six to nine months is therefore a top priority in order to maintain the perfect fit of the dentures and thus avoid unpleasant pressure points.
Pressure points with removable dentures
Pressure points can be prevented with special bonding agents. They form a soft, elastic cushion under the denture and provide better support. Particularly in the early days, adhesives help familiarize the jaw with the still unfamiliar foreign object in the mouth. With a well-fitting denture, the natural saliva film between the artificial tooth and the oral mucosa usually takes over the task of the adhesive. If pressure points and thus pain have already formed, these can be treated with mouth rinses and ointments from the pharmacy. Herbal remedies such as thyme, sage or chamomile can also help to counteract the discomfort. If problems continue to occur, it is always advisable to visit the dentist
