Do you think the biggest threat to your dentures is facial trauma or a major mishap? Believe it or not, it’s actually the everyday habits you likely don’t even notice. Chewing on hard objects and skipping regular cleanings may seem harmless, but they can wear down your artificial teeth and affect their fit, comfort, and effectiveness. If you want to avoid replacing your dentures before it’s time, here are 4 harmful habits it’s time to give up.
Chewing Gum
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to freshen your breath before a big meeting, but you’ll want to find another way instead of chewing on a piece of gum. Even sugar-free varieties are problematic for dentures. They can stick to the material and dislodge your upper or lower prosthetic. This can be embarrassing if you are speaking to a board member or colleague.
If you can, find sugar-free mints to suck on instead, or swish with mouthwash before your big presentation.
Wearing Your Dentures to Bed
Dentures are meant to make it easier to eat, speak, and smile, none of which you do while you’re asleep. Instead of keeping them in at night, let them soak in water or a denture cleaner. Why? There are a few reasons:
- It gives your gums and jawbone a break from supporting your dentures all day.
- It slows bone resorption, which commonly occurs among denture-wearers since there’s nothing to stimulate the bone.
- It lowers your risk of pneumonia because bacteria cannot be trapped beneath the denture throughout the night.
Not Visiting Your Dentist for Regular Checkups
Full dentures don’t mean you’re exempt from regular dental checkups and cleanings. Your teeth may not be natural, but your gums are, and they can become diseased if you’re not careful. You are encouraged to see your dentist every six months so they can monitor your oral health and detect early signs of gum disease or denture damage. If your prosthetics don’t fit properly, your dentist can reline or replace them so you can keep enjoying the benefits they provide.
Failing to Wear Your Dentures Daily
If you don’t wear your artificial teeth every day, you risk damaging them. Yes, you need to soak them overnight, but each morning you need to clean them properly before reinserting them. Leaving them on the counter will dry them out, which can cause cracking and warping. If this happens, you’ll need a replacement, which means spending more money.
If you treat your dentures well, you’ll continue to enjoy them on this new journey. If you have questions about ways to better protect your new smile, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran is a dentist who wants to help change his patients’ lives for the better. After earning his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry, he completed advanced training in various dental fields. At Southwest Dental, he helps patients with tooth loss regain their confidence with customized dentures. If you want to replace missing teeth with these time-tested prosthetics, contact us at (505) 896–9399 to schedule an appointment.