Dentures are essential in many people’s lives, helping them eat, speak, and smile more confidently. To ensure your dentures remain in top condition throughout the year, you must consider how extreme weather affects them and how important maintaining dentures.
Hot or cold temperatures can have detrimental effects on both the fit and durability of dentures. For example, you risk damaging your dentures in summer if you leave them exposed to direct sunlight.
On the other hand, the cold during winter can be brutal for your dentures, especially if they require adhesives.
Wondering how to maintain your dentures in extreme weather? Here, we provide helpful tips on how to maintain your dentures all year long!
Summer Denture Care: Tactic for Avoiding the Heat
During summer, not just our wardrobes and outdoor activities need adjustment; our dentures also require special care to withstand the heat.
Here’s a how toon maintaining your dentures in summer.
Store Your Dentures Correctly
Exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to warped dentures, discomfort, and misalignment. Store them in an enclosed case containing water or denture solution for storage when not wearing them. Avoid exposing them to sunlight or high temperatures, such as in a car.
Rinse and Clean Regularly
Heat can lead to excessive sweating, which can compromise the cleanliness of your dentures. Rinse them after every meal to reduce food particle build-up, then use a denture brush and mild cleaner daily for thorough cleaning.
Avoid Hot Foods and Beverages
Consuming hot foods and beverages may soften the acrylic of your dentures, potentially distorting their shape. Always allow hot items to cool before eating. Drinking cool or room-temperature water also ensures the stability of your dentures.
Be Careful With Sticky Foods
Sticky, sugary foods like ice cream and candy may weaken denture adhesives in hot temperatures. This will require you to carefully consider your choices when eating such treats and clean your dentures after indulging in such delights.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration in the summer heat is especially essential if you wear dentures. Adequate hydration will help decrease dry mouth symptoms that often accompany hot weather and can affect their fit.
Related Article: How to Choose the Right Denture Clinic for You?
Winter Denture Care: Protecting Your Dentures From Cold Climates
Temperature drops can affect your dentures’ fit, comfort, and hygiene. Therefore, adopting specific tactics is essential to avoid discomfort and complications.
Here are some denture maintenance tips for the winter season:
Prevent Fractures
Cold temperatures can render acrylic and other denture materials more fragile, increasing their fracture risk if you drop them. When handling or cleaning dentures in such conditions, always use a cushioned surface like a towel to avoid accidents.
Avoid Hot Water
Contrary to summer denture care practices, winter denture care should avoid using hot water as this may cause cracks. Instead, opt for lukewarm water, which will protect their integrity.
Combat Dry Mouth
Cold weather often results in dry mouth, which can harm denture fit and compromise its fit. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids throughout the day, and consider installing a humidifier in your home to combat the dry indoor air.
Use Adhesives Sparingly
Denture adhesives may become less effective during cold weather conditions. Therefore, it is wise to do so only sparingly when using adhesives and follow all instructions carefully.
Regular Check-Ups
Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dentures fit perfectly, particularly during winter when humidity and temperature changes may impact their fit.
General Tips for Year-Round Denture Care
Oral hygiene is essential to maintaining dentures in extreme weather and all year round.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Just because you wear dentures doesn’t mean you can ignore your oral hygiene! Regularly brushing gums, tongue, and roof of mouth to avoid plaque buildup is essential in keeping a healthy mouth.
- Make Appointments Regularly with Your Dentist: Maintaining excellent oral health requires regular trips to the dentist and regular checks with denture fitters to ensure they fit perfectly.
- Avoid DIY Repairs: When your dentures break or need adjustment, avoid the temptation of performing home fixes yourself. This may only worsen any existing issues. Instead, consult a dentist or denturist for professional repairs and adjustments.
- Maintain a Spare Set: Maintaining an extra set of dentures is an invaluable investment. Dentures provide peace of mind should your primary set require maintenance or repair. You won’t be without teeth by having two dentures handy during these events.
- Use a Denture Brush and Cleaner: Invest in a soft-bristle brush and cleaner catering to cleaning dentures. This is a better option than using toothpaste as it could damage them further.
- Avoid Forgetting About Denture Soak: Immersion in denture solution overnight will help remove stains and bacteria. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate length of soak time.
Related Article: Common Denture Problems and Solutions: Enhancing Your Denture-Wearing Experience
Weather Every Season with a Confident Smile
Proper denture maintenance during extreme weather, whether summer heatwave or freezing winter chill, is vital to their long-term well-being and oral health.
Following the tips in this comprehensive guide on maintaining dentures, you can ensure your dentures remain comfortable, functional and in peak condition throughout the year.
Proper storage practices and routine dental check-ups will lead to a bright and confident smile no matter what Mother Nature brings your way. Osmin Denture Clinic is your best bet for dentures, dental check-ups and other dental solutions.
Contact us at 647-294-3310 to schedule an appointment.
