Mistakes To Avoid When Taking Care Of Your Dental Flipper

If your dentist gave you a temporary dental flipper to fill the gaps in your teeth before you receive your permanent implants, you may wonder if there is anything special you need to do or not do while taking care of them. If so, make sure you avoid the following mistakes when you have a dental flipper.

Neglecting to Rinse the Flipper after You Eat

One mistake you need to avoid making while taking care of your dental flipper is neglecting to rinse it after every time you eat or drink. While it does not need to be removed while eating, the flipper can trap food and liquid residue underneath it.

If you do not rinse the flipper each time you eat, the trapped food and liquid could do two things. First, it can irritate your gum, especially around the implant post. This irritation could slow healing of the tissue and delay the insertion of the permanent tooth implants.

Second, the residue can become a food source for bacteria in your mouth, helping it to grow faster. This growth could lead to an infection around the post sites, as well as contribute to future gum disease.

Even if you only enjoy a cup of coffee or a small snack, take your flipper out, and rinse it under warm water. If there is any stuck-on food, add a small amount of the cleaning solution your dentist recommended, and massage it into the flipper before rinsing.

Leaving the Flipper in Overnight

Along with making sure you do not go without rinsing your flipper after consuming any food or drink, you also want to make sure that you do not leave the flipper in your mouth overnight. This is important for two reasons.

First, since the flipper is not permanently attached to your gums, you risk having it become dislodged while you sleep. It could fall out of your mouth and become damaged. Or, it may fall to the back of your mouth, where it could be damaged or damage your teeth if you bite down. 

Second, nighttime should be the time when you soak the flipper in the cleaning solution recommended by your cosmetic dentist. Doing so will ensure that it remains sanitized and stain-free, helping it last longer.

Avoiding the above mistakes while you have a dental flipper can help keep it clean and intact until your dental implants are ready. If you have any questions or issues, contact dental clinics that offer cosmetic dentistry services like Carolina Forest Family Dentistry.