A set of dentures can provide you with years of beautiful smiles and improved chewing power. However, your prosthetic teeth will only serve you well if you do your best to keep them in good shape. To that end, there are certain bad habits that you should avoid. Here are some practices that you should leave behind as a denture wearer:
1. Smoking
Smoking can quickly stain your dentures, causing them to look yellow and dull. This habit can also cause dry mouth and increase your risk of gum infections, both of which could negatively affect your ability to use your dentures.
Granted, smoking can be difficult to quit. Work with your primary care practitioner to come up with a reasonable “quit plan” that moves you toward improved oral and overall health.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
When you have dentures, you should be sure to thoroughly clean your prosthetic at least once a day. You should gently brush your artificial teeth and clean its base. Regularly soaking your dentures in a cleansing solution is also a good idea. Additionally, you should make sure that you clean your gums daily with a soft cloth and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Failure to observe proper oral hygiene could lead to infections, bad breath, and other unpleasant consequences.
3. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum, including sugar-free varieties, can be sticky enough that it pulls your dentures right off your gums! Even products that are labeled as safe for denture wearers can cause problems in some cases. Instead of chewing gum, try sucking on a sugar-free mint.
4. Sleeping in Your Dentures
Traditional dentures are not meant to be worn 24/7. Removing your dentures at night allows you to thoroughly clean both your prosthetic and your mouth. It also gives your gum tissue a chance to breathe, which encourages proper circulation and can help to prevent sores and infections. (If you want dentures that are safe to sleep in, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for permanently fixed implant dentures.)
5. Nail Biting
Nail biting is bad for natural teeth, and your dentures are not as tough as natural dentition. Therefore, the risk of damage is even greater to prosthetic teeth. You could easily break or chip your dentures! If you are a nervous nail biter, try to come up with other ways to cope with your feelings. For example, you might squeeze a stress ball or try breathing exercises.
Your dentures can take good care of you — but only if you take good care of them! Avoid bad habits so your prosthetic will last as long as possible.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Lucia Perez Troisi is an experienced dentist who combines her extensive knowledge with state-of-the-art technology to provide top-quality care for the Chesapeake community. If you have questions about tooth replacement or how to maintain your dentures, she and our team would be happy to speak with you. Contact Troisi Dentistry at 757-548-1611.