The transition from your own teeth to dental prosthetics can be a challenging period, not only physically but also emotionally.
Losing your own teeth can have a significant impact on the psyche of our patients, regardless of age or the reason for the loss. Teeth and a smile are not only needed for our inner peace. It is important to reassure patients that they are not alone and that a solution through dental prosthetics should be sought. Depending on the patient’s needs, we will choose a fixed or removable, partial or full denture. Today’s world offers many solutions, most of which are of very high quality. Therefore, there is nothing to be afraid of.
In the first days, removable dental prosthetics may be a bit uncomfortable until the mouth gets used to it. Patients need to be patient, but this discomfort usually disappears after a few days. To calm and strengthen the mucous membranes, herbal gels can be helpful. If problems persist and the prosthesis does not fit, pain and irritation of the mucous membrane may increase. A long-term ill-fitting prosthesis can lead to abrasions or pressure sores. Therefore, it is important to address this issue with your dentist promptly.
The transition to removable dental prosthetics can also affect the oral microflora or bacterial colonization that naturally occurs on the mucous membrane. It is influenced by changes in the pH of the mouth and the distribution of saliva. These factors lead to a reduced ability to neutralize acids and insufficient flushing of bacteria and food residues.
Can we relieve gums that are chronically stressed?
To alleviate discomfort and calm the gums, you can recommend an herbal gel designed for use with dental prosthetics (PROTEO GEL), which has cooling and soothing effects and supports the regeneration of mucous membranes and gums. The gums and mucous membranes benefit from hyaluronic acid and Mucosave (a blend of prickly pear and olive leaf extract), which are part of the gel’s composition. These ingredients not only have regenerative effects but also optimal adhesive properties to form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes.
Such natural gels can be used daily. They contain beneficial substances for the gums and are a suitable supplement for patients with dentures in addition to regular fixatives, which only serve to fix the dental prosthesis.
Proper care of sore gums
According to patients’ experiences, the gel significantly helps reduce discomfort and improves the comfort of wearing dental prosthetics. It is easy to use. Remove the prosthesis and, at any time of day, ideally after eating or before bed, apply the herbal gel to the gums and palate and leave it to work. You can also apply it directly to the cleaned prosthesis, using it as a carrier and inserting it into the mouth. The advantage of PROTEO gel is that it does not need to be rinsed off.
Why is it important to properly care for gums?
Poor oral health can affect the overall health of the patient. If the hygiene of the dental prosthesis is insufficient, inflammation or candidiasis may occur. Such mucous membranes are also prone to minor injuries, which increases the risk of spreading the infection into the bloodstream and throughout the body. In more severe cases, this could even lead to pneumonia.
How to best care for removable dental prosthetics so that they last long and stay clean:
- After eating, always remove the prosthesis and rinse it. Wash it with water and remove any food remnants. Then, place it on a towel to avoid damage and let it dry.
- Be gentle with the prosthesis. Clean it gently to avoid bending the clasps or damaging the plastic.
- After removing the dental prosthesis, clean your mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the gums and palate, removing any leftover fixative.
- Clean the dental prosthesis every day. Soak it in water and clean it with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. The optimal method is cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner. This will remove food, plaque, and other deposits. If you use denture fixatives, clean the grooves that fit against the gums to remove any adhesive residue. Do not use denture cleaners inside the mouth.
- At night, soak the dental prosthesis. To keep the denture in good shape, it needs to stay moist. Soak it overnight in water or a mild solution specifically designed for this purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and soaking solutions.
- Before placing the denture back into your mouth, rinse it thoroughly, especially if you use a soaking solution. These solutions may contain harmful chemicals that can cause vomiting, pain, or mucosal burns when ingested.
Regular dental checkups are essential. Your dentist will advise you on how often your prosthesis should be examined and professionally cleaned. They will also check your gums and oral mucosa to see if you have any sores or other issues from the prosthesis. If the dental prosthesis does not fit properly, this is also a reason to visit your dentist. Loose and pressing dentures can cause gum irritation, sores, or inflammation.
What to avoid when caring for a dental prosthesis:
- Abrasive materials. Do not use toothbrushes with hard bristles, strong cleaning agents, or harsh toothpastes, as these can damage the prosthesis.
- Whitening toothpaste and peroxide-based products. These can change the color of the prosthesis. It is also not recommended to soak dentures in solutions containing chlorine, as it can damage metal.
- Hot water. Do not soak dentures in hot water to avoid warping.
Preventing fungal infections
Many people using dental prosthetics still don’t give their dentures proper hygiene care. Insufficient cleaning of the denture can lead to fungal or inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa. The most common issue is fungal infections, such as candidiasis. This can be prevented with proper care of the dental prosthesis. Candidiasis can be treated with antiseptics or natural remedies containing Salixin. According to in-vitro tests, Salixin has positive results in reducing the growth of fungi and suppressing them.
Proper care of your dental prosthesis will prolong its lifespan while keeping your oral mucosa healthy.
Dr. Jitka Zvejšková
Source: Pharma News No. 1/2025
