Dentures are the tried-and-true method for rebuilding grins after partial or total tooth loss. These versatile prosthetics are customized at every stage to fit like a glove and closely resemble your natural teeth and gums. Once in place, your mouth’s appearance and functionality are simultaneously restored.
However, caring for your dentures correctly is essential to maximizing their many benefits. To keep your recently restored smile looking and feeling great, keep reading to learn about three habits you might have that could harm them!
Bad Habit #1: Brushing While Wearing Dentures
It’s not uncommon for patients to become frustrated by frequently removing and reinserting their dentures, especially when they’re new. You might feel tempted to leave them in your mouth to brush them as a result. While this might be acceptable occasionally, it’s generally not recommended. When they’re pressed tightly against your gums, you can’t reach all their surfaces to clean them thoroughly.
Instead, you should take your prosthetics out twice daily to wash them. Standard toothpaste can abrade the material so it’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild dish soap or a special denture paste. Thoroughly but gently scrub all surfaces, reaching into any grooves and clearing away leftover adhesive if you use it.
Bad Habit #2: Sleeping in Them
It often takes about a month for your tongue and other supporting muscles in your mouth to fully acclimate to supporting your restoration all day. Once you do, you might find that you’re so comfortable wearing them that you forget they’re there! You wouldn’t be the first patient to fall into bed after a long day without remembering to remove them.
Unfortunately, doing so can detract from your dental health. Your dentures rely on a firm suction against your gums to remain in place, and if the tender tissues never get a break, you could develop sore spots. These can become painfully inflamed or increase your risk of gum disease if they are infected. To prevent this, you should take your dentures out at night and leave them in a soaking solution of water or cleaning crystals after you’ve cleaned them.
Bad Habit #3: Avoiding Your Dentist
You might think that you no longer need to see your dentist regularly if you have no natural teeth remaining, but nothing could be further from the truth. Bacteria in your mouth can cause gum disease that can impact your jawbone, enter your bloodstream, and cause other health issues, like diabetes or heart problems, if left unaddressed.
Scheduling a routine checkup with your provider every six months keeps your mouth happy and healthy. Standard visits allow them to monitor your oral condition and treat any areas of concern before they can progress. Furthermore, they will check to ensure that your dentures fit properly and make any necessary adjustments as needed.
By making a few simple adjustments to your daily routine, you can keep your dentures in tip-top shape for years!
About the Practice
The dedicated team at Warwick Dentistry has been helping patients enhance their quality of life by improving their dental health for 30+ years. Drs. Joyce and John Warwick work together to provide a wide array of services to conveniently meet all your needs under one roof. They take the time to get to know your unique goals and concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to help you meet them. If you are eager to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (412) 391-1130.