Your dentures are both an investment in your oral and overall health, as well as a financial investment, so it makes sense that you’d want to make them last for as long as possible. Under normal circumstances, your dentures should not need to be replaced for at least five to ten years, however helping keep them in good repair for that long requires that you take proper care of them. Here are five dangerous behaviors you should definitely not do to ensure that you get the most out of your new teeth!
Chewing Gum
Gum is great if you want to freshen your breath or entertain your mouth between meals, however it’s not very safe for false teeth. Even the varieties that claim to be “denture safe” can still get stuck in between your crowns or dislodge your prosthetic while you chew, so it’s best to skip the gum altogether and stick with soft mints, mouthwash, or extra brushing.
Sleeping In Your Dentures
Sometimes at night the last thing you want to do is deal with your oral hygiene routine. But sleeping in your dentures is a dangerous idea. That’s because they can easily dry out while you sleep, causing them to warp or crack. This in turn may prevent them from fitting properly and requiring a reline. Worse yet, if they crack, there’s usually not any way to repair them and you’ll need to completely replace them. Thus, it is important that you always remove them each night before bed and leave them soaking in a glass of water or denture soak, so they don’t dry out.
Not Cleaning Your Dentures
Keeping your dentures clean will not only ensure that they look and smell their best, but it will also extend their life. While it’s fine to brush them in your mouth after meals during the day, it is important that you remove them at least once a day to give them a thorough cleaning. Scrub all surfaces with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, floss between each tooth, and rinse them well before soaking them for the night.
Not Wearing Your Dentures
You can’t benefit from dentures if you don’t wear them, and while it may seem like not using them would make them last longer, the opposite is true. This is because when you don’t wear your dentures, your mouth shape will change. Dentures can prevent a certain degree of bone deterioration, so by not wearing them you are leaving your mouth vulnerable to permanent jaw damage that will alter their fit. Though a reline can sometimes help adjust the fit, bone deterioration is not only permanent, but it could require you to need a bone graft procedure should you ever want to get dental implants.
Using Your Dentures for Off-Brand Purposes
Much like your real teeth, dentures are designed for chewing one thing, and one thing only: food. Sure, it may be more convenient to use your prosthetics to tear into a package, and you may bite your nails or chew on a nearby object like a pen cap in a moment of stress, but these behaviors can easily damage them. Don’t break your crowns on inedible objects; only use your dentures for food!
Remember, your dentures were designed to last up to ten years with proper care, but you can easily damage them if you’re not careful. Thus, to ensure that they stay in good condition for as long as possible, beware of these five dangerous denture behaviors!
About Our Practice
The team at Khoi Dental Group strives to ensure that each of our patients’ oral health needs are being met. Whether you’re looking for an exam and cleaning, need a root canal, or are looking to restore your smile with the help of a new pair of dentures, we aim to provide the care you need without the pressure.
To schedule an appointment for dentures, please visit our website or call us today at 904-262-8449.