Dentures are life-changing tooth replacement options for people who are missing most or all of their teeth. They are able to restore the appearance and function of your smile. However, it’s important that you care for them to maintain the results. Continue reading to learn about some of the bad habits that you should be avoiding now that you have your replacement teeth.
Biting Your Nails
Nail biting is problematic for natural teeth, but it can be even worse for dentures. Since the material used to make dentures isn’t as strong as natural tooth enamel, it is easy to accidentally chip or damage them. This is a difficult habit to give up, but there are some tricks that can help. Try carrying around a stress ball or getting a manicure.
Gum Chewing
While sugar-free gum is okay for natural teeth, it can easily stick to dentures. If you like to use gum to freshen your breath after meals, we recommend that you try using sugar-free mints to suck on instead. Another option is to use some mouthwash.
Sleeping with Your Dentures
You shouldn’t wear your dentures at all times. Clenching and grinding during the night can wear down your dentures quickly. Wearing gums also restricts blood flow in the gums, so it’s ideal to give them some time to breathe. Every night before bed, remove your dentures, clean them, and put them in a denture-soaking solution in the morning.
Leaving Out Your Dentures
Even though it’s important to give your mouth a break from your dentures, you should still wear them every day. If you accidentally leave them out on your bathroom counter, they can dry out, leaving you with warped or cracked dentures. By staying in the habit of wearing them, you will know where they are at all times.
Skipping Cleaning Sessions
Just because they aren’t real teeth doesn’t mean that dentures don’t require oral hygiene. By rinsing and brushing your dentures after meals and soaking them overnight, you can keep them looking and feeling their best. It’s also important that you gently clean your gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate to prevent oral health issues from arising.
Your dentures will last so much longer if you take the time to properly care for them. By avoiding the bad habits listed above, you can enjoy your complete smile for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Raj Vekariya first went to dental school in India and worked as an associate dentist for a few years. In 2005, he moved to the United States and attended New York University’s College of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and completing his Certificate program in Esthetic and Comprehensive Dentistry. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Canonsburg, visit his website or call (724) 300-3700.