Once you have dentures, you may assume your oral health is secure. After all, these devices can’t decay – doesn’t that mean they don’t need care? Still, the truth is that your new prosthetics will cause problems if you act recklessly. Certain habits could make them break down, ruining your restored grin in the process. Your Weatherford dentist will even share a few examples, so consider these four harmful habits to avoid with dentures.
Not Brushing or Flossing
Dentures can’t get cavities because their teeth are artificial and “decay-proof.” Even so, they need daily cleaning – neglecting this practice will put your treatment results at risk. You should brush your dentures twice daily and floss their teeth once daily to keep them safe.
Don’t forget that debris gathers on dentures as time goes on. As the prosthetics are used, food particles and bacteria slowly build up on their surfaces. That means not brushing or flossing them will raise your risk of dry mouth, bad breath, and gum disease. You can only avoid this outcome by cleaning your dentures daily.
Gum Chewing
As long as it’s sugar-free, you may think chewing gum is safe. However, you’re better off without this product when you have dentures.
Whether it has sugar or not, gum can keep dentures from working well. It often sticks to the restorations and threatens to dislodge them from your mouth. For that reason, you should go with nice alternatives like sugar-free soft mints. Another option is to simply use a bit of mouthwash to freshen up.
Skipping Dental Checkups
Even if your smile relies on dentures, you shouldn’t skip out on your dental checkups. Not attending these visits can make your restorations fail and damage your mouth.
The fact remains that dental checkups excel as preventive oral care. When you attend these sessions, your dentist can assess your oral health and ensure your dentures stay safe. The visits also let them reline or replace the dental devices as needed.
Wearing Dentures to Bed
While they may look and act like “real” teeth, please don’t wear dentures to bed. Sleeping with them in your mouth is bad for your health, except for the first day after receiving them.
Dentures simply aren’t made to be used constantly. Wearing them overnight would likely cause teeth-grinding that wears them out faster. Nighttime use also keeps your gums from resting, causing them to become sore and irritated. Such facts show that you should take your dentures out at night.
Your restored smile will last longer if you know the habits to avoid with dentures. So, note those above and learn about the others from your dental provider.
About the Practice
Led by our trio of talented dentists at Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford, we seek to give each patient terrific dental care. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, all tailored to your unique smile and its needs. Naturally, our team also provides top-tier dentures that can restore your full grin! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (509)-765-4351.