Getting dentures can be a truly life-changing moment. Having gone from surviving with few-to-no teeth to a complete set of pearly whites will allow you to do countless basic actions that you once had to forgo due to tooth loss, like eating certain foods. With your new prosthetic, in order to get the most out of it, it’s crucial to take care of them. This can look like cleaning them daily, but it also looks like breaking certain habits that can now damage or otherwise compromise your new replacement teeth. Read on to learn about five habits you’ll want to avoid with your new dentures.
Biting Your Nails
Nail biting can be a very hard habit to break, especially if it’s something you do to soothe yourself when you’re stressed or anxious. Even with your natural teeth, this habit can put you at a higher risk of chipping a tooth, introducing new bacteria to your mouth that can lead to infections, or wearing down your enamel. With dentures, the threats that nail biting poses are similar— bacteria can be introduced to your mouth and trapped beneath your prosthetics, or your new teeth could be chipped!
Not Wearing Your Dentures Every Day
Wearing your dentures every day is an absolute must. The only time you should take your dentures out of your mouth is before you go to bed. This is to help your gums and mouth adjust to the feeling and pressure that they place on your mouth. When you first get your prosthetic, although you’ll go through an uncomfortable adjustment period, it will ease-up and you’ll be able to comfortably use your dentures.
Sleeping with Your Dentures
You should never sleep with your dentures in your mouth, as it could lead to grinding and clenching, which could crack them, cause bacteria to accumulate within the mouth and lead to infections, or put too much strain on your gums. By removing them nightly, you’ll be able to clean your mouth and prosthetic, allow them to soak in room temperature water and maintain their shape, and give your gums a rest.
Not Visiting Your Dentist Every Six Months
Just like with your natural teeth, with dentures, you should be visiting the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. At these appointments, they’ll be able to examine your prosthetic to ensure they aren’t fractured or otherwise damaged, as well as your gums, addressing any inflammation, discomfort, or other symptoms your prosthetic might be causing. This will help you get ahead of the issue, avoiding larger problems down the road.
Leaving Your Dentures Lying Around
Whether you just got done cleaning your dentures or you’re taking them out of your mouth before you go to bed, they should never just be sitting on a countertop or other surface. This is for two main reasons: germs and the danger of becoming damaged. One of the most common reasons dentures break is because they slip off of the bathroom countertop after they were cleaned!
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over 10 years of experience and is incredibly passionate about helping his patients address tooth loss. That’s why he offers a wide range of restorative treatments, including leading-edge dental implants. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry as well as countless postgraduate continuing education programs. He’s always looking for new ways to expand his knowledge and provide his patients with the latest and greatest the dental world has to offer. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur’s website or call 972-546-4114.