Denture Danger: 3 Bad Habits to Avoid

Dentures remain a popular way to refurbish your grin after tooth loss because they have a long history of successfully restoring smiles’ appearance and functionality. Whether you need a full or partial set, these prosthetics can be customized to look like your natural teeth and gums to boost your confidence. Plus, with them in place, you can eat and speak more like you used to.

That said, caring for your artificial teeth correctly is essential if you hope to continue to enjoy their many advantages. Continue reading to learn about three common behaviors that could harm your dentures so you can avoid them!

Bad Habit #1: Sleeping in Them

It can take your mouth about a month to acclimate to wearing dentures all day long, but then once you do, you might forget that you’re wearing them. Many patients who have grown comfortable wearing their artificial teeth feel tempted to simply leave them in when they’re getting ready for bed and fall asleep that way.

While this may be acceptable occasionally, your dentist recommends removing your dentures at night. Otherwise, your gums could develop sores that can become infected, increasing the risk of gum disease. Not only that, but the constant pressure can speed up the process of bone degeneration that starts after teeth go missing, which can thin your jawbone and lead to an ill-fitting restoration.

Bad Habit #2: Skipping Cleanings

Even if you have no natural teeth remaining, your mouth can develop decay or disease that can affect your jawbone and detract from your oral health. Keeping them clean is imperative to prevent potential problems. To do so, take them out twice daily to gently but thoroughly wash them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, unscented dish soap or denture paste. Remember, standard toothpaste can be abrasive on the material and should be avoided.

Then, rinse them gently under running water before replacing them in your mouth to continue your day. If you’re preparing for bed, it’s best to leave them in a glass of water or a special soaking solution to eradicate germs and keep them in good shape while you rest.

Bad Habit #3: Missing Follow-Ups

Many patients with dentures assume that because they don’t have a complete set of teeth, they don’t need to visit their dentist as frequently. However, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s best to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning with your provider every six months so they can monitor your dental health and address any areas of concern before they can progress.

For instance, you might miss early signs of gum irritation or disease, but your dentist is trained to spot them and can work with you to halt it in its tracks. Practicing proper preventative care now can preclude more costly and complex repairs later.

Now that you know more about caring for your dentures, you can continue to make the most of them for years!

About the Practice

At Imagine Smiles, you and your family benefit from a team of experts who work together to offer a full array of top-quality services conveniently under one roof. With decades of combined experience, they can help you improve your daily quality of life by enhancing your dental health. They utilize the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques to provide lifelike prosthetics to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. If you’re worried about the state of your dentures, you can request an appointment on the website or call (763) 269-8650.