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Just like with your natural teeth, it’s important to take good care of your dentures by cleaning them regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding bad oral habits that you may not realize you’re doing until you read about how they can impact your smile below. With the proper care, they can continue serving your grin for up to seven years, allowing you to smile with pride knowing your mouth is complete and functional.
1. Biting Your Nails
If you had a habit of biting your nails before having dentures, it’s something that you’ll need to address once you get your new prosthetics. If you continue doing this with your dentures, it could cause them to wear, chip, or even lead to oral sores due to the transfer of bacteria from your hands to your mouth.
2. Not Visiting Your Dentist Regularly
Even with replacement teeth, you’ll still need to visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. This will ensure that your dentures are clean, and when you have them for several years, these visits will allow your dentist to reline them so they continue to fit and function as they should be. When you don’t attend these important appointments, you may notice oral health concerns arise, like gum irritation and infections as a result of plaque and tartar accumulation.
3. Sleeping with Them in Your Mouth
Although it may be tempting to sleep with your new dentures in your mouth, this can put unnecessary strain on your gums and jaw, leading to a whole host of issues and not allowing your facial and oral muscles to get the rest they need. Store your dentures in a glass of room temperature water or denture cleaning solution each night before you go to bed.
4. Chewing Gum
You should never chew gum with your dentures, even if it’s sugar-free, because it will likely cause them to shift and slip within the mouth. This can cause you to slur your words, create too much saliva, or even become stuck to your prosthetics. Instead, try sucking on a mint or using some antimicrobial mouthwash to give your breath a pick-me-up.
5. Not Cleaning Them Regularly
Just like with your natural teeth, it’s crucial to clean your dentures regularly to maintain their new appearance and prevent debris and plaque from accumulating on them. Soaking them in water nightly isn’t the same as properly cleaning them. It’s important to brush them with a soft-bristled or special denture cleaning toothbrush and non-abrasive cleanser. This will keep them from smelling and ensure they continue looking bright and healthy.
About the Practice
At The Smilist Dental Medford, our team is led by five highly skilled dentists who take a collaborative approach to care. They each boast years of experience in their fields and are members of several professional organizations that help them stay up to date with the latest advancements. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, our team offers an array of solutions, including implant and traditional dentures. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call 631-286-9000.