Your dentures are an important investment both financially and in your health and well-being. Naturally, you want to protect this investment and get the most from your new smile. But to do that, you need to properly care for your dentures and avoid causing them any damage. Thankfully, there’s plenty you can do to prevent accidents and extend their life for as long as possible. Here are a few bad habits you should avoid with your dentures to ensure they stay in great shape for years to come.
Improper Use
Each of our teeth are shaped specifically for chewing different types of food, and the same applies for dentures. Teeth (both natural and prosthetic) are not meant to be used as tools. That means no using your dentures to open packages, bite your nails, or crunch anything that isn’t specifically designed for consumption.
Improper Care
Much like your natural teeth, your dentures need to be cleaned regularly. Dentures should be soaked nightly, but they also need to be brushed daily as well as flossed. This will help keep them stain and odor free as well as maintain their structural integrity. Furthermore, they also need dental checkups, just like natural teeth. That means you should still be attending your bi-annual dental exams and bringing your dentures with you. At these appointments, your dentist will evaluate your mouth and check your dentures for proper fit and to make sure each crown is secure.
Not Wearing Your Dentures
Sure, it may seem like not wearing your dentures might extend their life, but this isn’t necessarily true. That’s because without consistent stimulation, your mouth shape can change quickly over time. If you don’t wear your dentures frequently, you may find that when you go to use them again, they don’t fit properly anymore.
Another issue that can occur with lack of use is that your dentures can dry out. This can cause them to crack or warp, rendering them unwearable.
Sleeping In Your Dentures
Sleeping in your dentures can damage them over time because many individuals grind their teeth as they sleep. This can cause unnecessary wear on your dentures, making them deteriorate faster than they should, and can even chip or crack them. Give your mouth a break from your dentures and soak them overnight each time you go to bed.
Keep Smiling
With proper care, your dentures should last you between 10 to 15 years, however it is possible for them to last longer. To make the most of your investment, be sure to follow the above guidelines, and you’ll have something to smile about!
About Our Practice
At Sehnert Precision Dentistry in Lewisville, Dr. Phillip Sehnert has been providing individualized care to patients for nearly 40 years. Dr. Sehnert’s approach is simple: treat the whole mouth, not just one tooth. Thanks to this philosophy, Dr. Sehnert and his team can better care for your oral health.
Whether you need your first pair of dentures or are replacing an older pair, or you’re ready to make the switch to dental implants, Sehnert Precision Dentistry is here to help. To experience the benefits of total mouth care with Sehnert Precision Dentistry, please visit our website or call us at 972-703-4675.