Complete dentures are a type of restoration method used to restore the chewing function, aesthetics and speech ability of edentulous patients. They have a wide range of indications and significant application effects. However, the success of complete dentures not only depends on the production quality, but is also closely related to the patient's daily care. Proper oral care can not only extend the service life of dentures, but also effectively prevent oral diseases and improve the patient's quality of life . This article will systematically explain the key points of oral care after complete denture restoration to help clinical medical staff and patients establish scientific care awareness.
1. Adaptation and care after first wearing dentures
1. Avoid vigorous chewing
People who wear dentures for the first time usually feel a foreign body sensation, and some patients experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Patients should be advised to avoid eating hard, sticky or overheated foods immediately . They can choose soft foods and start with small pieces of food, and gradually transition to a normal diet.
2. Train the coordination function of tongue and lip muscles
Because dentures have poor stability, the tongue and lip muscles need to be re-coordinated to maintain the position of the dentures. It is recommended that patients undergo conscious language and swallowing training , such as reading aloud and pronunciation exercises, to promote neuromuscular adaptation.
3. Pay attention to oral pressure point reactions
If certain parts of the denture cause ulcers or pain, you should seek timely follow-up consultation and adjustment. You should not grind it yourself or endure the discomfort for a long time to prevent damage to the oral soft tissue or secondary infection.
2. Daily cleaning and denture maintenance
1. Daily cleaning of dentures
Full dentures must be cleaned after each meal to avoid the adhesion of food debris and plaque . It is recommended to use a special denture cleaning brush and neutral detergent. Do not use toothpaste or hot water to prevent wear or deformation.
2. Remove your dentures every night
Dentures should be removed at night and soaked in clean water or denture cleaning solution to help the soft tissue rest and restore blood circulation, preventing "denture stomatitis".
3. Cleaning of oral mucosa
Even if there are no natural teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush or gauze to gently wipe the gums, palate and back of the tongue to remove bacteria and keep the mouth clean.
3. Adjustment of diet and lifestyle habits
1. Recommend dietary adjustments
It is recommended to chew food on both sides at the same time to balance the pressure on the dentures, reduce the risk of denture falling off, and avoid foods with high sugar content, high stickiness or hardness, such as candy, nougat, nuts, etc.
2. Control tobacco and alcohol intake
Tobacco and alcohol are irritating to the oral mucosa and can aggravate the inflammatory response in the denture wear area. Patients should be advised to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption , especially in the early postoperative period.
3. Pay attention to the impact of systemic diseases
For example, diabetic patients have a reduced ability to repair their oral mucosa, and they need to pay more attention to oral infection control and the balance of nutritional intake . Medical staff should guide personalized care measures based on their overall condition.
4. Regular follow-up and maintenance
1. Regular dental check-ups
It is recommended that patients have a follow-up examination every six months to check the fit of the dentures and the health of the oral cavity. Dentures should be replaced or repaired promptly if the edges are worn, the base is loose, or the color becomes darker .
2. Dynamically adjust the occlusal relationship
As the jaw bone is absorbed and the soft tissue changes, the stability of the denture will decrease. Relining, rearranging or remaking the denture can be used to maintain a good occlusion and comfort.
3. Education and psychological support
Elderly patients often have difficulty in psychological adaptation. Through patient communication, we should improve their denture compliance and self-care awareness and reduce the failure rate of denture use.
5. Nursing recommendations for special populations
1. Patients with Alzheimer's disease
Due to poor self-care ability, family members are required to assist in denture cleaning and oral care. Caregivers are required to regularly check the denture wearing condition and oral ulcers to prevent accidental swallowing or inhalation of dentures.
2. Patients recovering from surgery
For patients who have undergone maxillofacial surgery or radiotherapy and have dry mouth and are prone to infection, lubricating denture cream and artificial saliva should be used to assist in wearing the denture and reduce friction.
3. People with special occupational needs
Actors, teachers and other people who have high requirements for speech clarity should undergo personalized tooth adjustment design and voice training to improve pronunciation accuracy and professional expression.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although full denture restoration can effectively restore oral function and facial aesthetics, long-term use requires patients to invest in continuous care and management. Correct wearing, daily cleaning, a balanced diet, and regular follow-up visits are the four core elements for maintaining denture health . Medical staff should strengthen oral health education, guide patients to establish scientific care habits, and improve the long-term efficacy and satisfaction of full denture restoration.