Bad habits are hard to break, but unfortunately your dentures aren’t! Though they are a safe, durable replacement for lost teeth, they still must be treated with care and properly maintained to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are a few bad habits that you should avoid if you wear dentures!
Not Brushing Them Daily
To keep them clean, stain free, and odor free, it is essential that you remove your dentures and brush them daily. Be sure to brush all sides, including the sides that come in contact with your gums. For best results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and special paste designed specifically for dentures.
Not Flossing Them Daily
In addition to brushing your dentures, it is important to floss them at least once a day just as you would your natural teeth. Be sure to clean between each tooth and rinse them well once you are done.
Not Removing Them Each Night
You’ve heard your dentist say it before: don’t sleep in your dentures. Doing so can easily dry them out overnight, causing them to warp and lose their fit. This can require a reline to correct, or in some cases they may need to be replaced entirely. It can also cause them to crack which cannot be repaired at all, and absolutely must be replaced.
Not Wearing Them Every Day
While it may not seem important to wear your dentures every single day, the longer you go without wearing them, the more bone degradation your jawbone can experience. This can cause your face to appear sunken or droopy, and if you eventually do decide to get dental implants, it may result in the need for a bone graft or sinus lift procedure first.
Using Them “Off Brand”
Your dentures were designed to chew food, not open packages, bite your nails, crunch ice, or chew on pen caps. Thus, you should not use them for anything but food, as you can easily break the crowns (teeth) by doing so.
Using Them to Chew Gum
Unless you are chewing gum that specifies it is safe for dentures, do not chew gum with them, even if it’s sugar free. Gum can easily get stuck in them, making it impossible to clean them.
Repairing Them Yourself
Sometimes despite your best efforts, your dentures might break or stop fitting properly. Attempting a DIY repair is usually a bad idea. Do not attempt to glue a broken crown back together or reattach a fallen crown yourself. There are myriad videos online about how to do your own reline procedure at home, but this is not as easy as it looks and many a patient has ruined a perfectly good pair of dentures attempting to save a few bucks by trying it themselves. If your dentures break in any way, contact your dentist immediately for a professional repair.
Remember, dentures are a significant investment that should last five to ten years with proper care. Avoiding these bad habits will help extend their life so you can get the most out of your money, and your teeth!
About Our Practice
At Deer Park Family Dentistry, we believe in customizing your care for a personalized experience. We take the time to listen to your unique goals, questions, and concerns, and tailor your experience to fit your individual needs.
To schedule an appointment for dentures, please visit our website or call us today at 281-479-2841.