Dentures are a tried and proven tooth replacement method that has allowed millions of people to enjoy complete smiles after tooth loss, and modern models are so comfortable and lifelike that their wearers and casual observers often don’t notice that they are there. However, dentures are not invincible and will need to be replaced eventually. Here’s a brief guide to a few habits you should avoid so your investment can last for as long as possible.
Quit Skipping Oral Hygiene Sessions
Many people are under the impression that they don’t need to worry about oral hygiene since they don’t have any natural teeth left, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Unless the dentures and the oral cavity consistently receive thorough cleanings every day, plaque and food debris will build up, allowing harmful oral bacteria to multiply rapidly and cause issues like gum disease, accelerated bone loss in the jaw, and possibly dangerous secondary infections like sepsis.
After receiving dentures, it’s still important to brush your gums and other soft tissues with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste and to rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. This will keep these tissues clean and stimulated to prevent infections, bone loss, and other oral health issues that can affect the way your dentures fit.
Quit Wearing Your Dentures Continuously
Modern dentures are so incredibly comfortable that many people might be tempted to wear them continuously for days or weeks at a time. This is a horrible idea because wearing dentures restricts circulation in the gums, so wearing them 24/7 inhibits their ability to heal and fight infections. To make matters worse, food debris and plaque can be sheltered between the denture and the gums, leading to irritation and infections. Leaving your dentures for too long will also cause them to develop an unpleasant smell due to a lack of cleaning.
Instead, remember to remove, clean, and soak your dentures daily. Your mouth needs at least eight hours away from your dentures a day so that it has time to rest and clean itself. Soaking your dentures will keep them sanitary while preventing them from drying out and warping when they are outside of your mouth.
Quit Smoking
Tobacco use is completely horrible for your oral health with or without dentures. While it’s well known that tobacco smoke will leave unsightly yellow or brown stains and buildups on your smile, many people may not be aware that nicotine has the side effect of causing blood vessels to constrict, which inhibits the gums’ ability to heal and fight infections. This can leave a patient more vulnerable to gum disease while also accelerating the process of bone loss in the jaw. Quitting is a great way to preserve your dentures and your oral health.
Excellent habits yield excellent results. With the proper care and maintenance, your dentures can last for up to ten years before needing replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Manpreet Dhaliwal earned his dental degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, where he made the Dean’s List each year he attended. Today, he stays abreast of the latest developments in his field by regularly participating in continuing education courses. His office in Renton, WA, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. For more information on how to help your dentures last longer, contact his office online or dial (425) 226-5940.