Your dentures are an important investment in your oral health and confidence, but like natural teeth, they need proper care to stay in good shape. Unfortunately, there are some common habits that you may do unconsciously that could be doing more harm than good. Over time, these could lead to discomfort, damage, or the need for early replacements. If you’re ready to rethink some harmful habits and save your smile, continue reading.
Skipping Daily Cleaning
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned daily to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Skipping this step can lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and even infections. So, make it a habit to brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and colorless liquid soap every day.
Wearing Your Dentures Overnight
When most patients wear their dentures to sleep, it’s out of forgetfulness or convenience. Whatever the case, doing so can actually harm both your prosthetics and your gums! Your mouth needs time to rest and keeping your appliances in overnight can lead to sore spots, infections, and bone loss in your jaw. The best thing you can do before bed is remove your dentures, soak them in a cleaning solution, and give your gums a chance to breathe.
Using Hot Water to Clean Your Dentures
Hot water is more capable of dissolving substances than cold, which is why cleaning your prosthetics with it makes sense. However, dentures are an exception because the heat can cause them to warp or lose their shape. Since they’re designed to fit your mouth precisely, any change can lead to an improper fit, discomfort, and oral health issues like sores. It may seem too simple to make a difference, but it’s best to turn the temperature down when cleaning your denture appliances.
Using Your Dentures as Tools
Opening packages or bottles with your normal teeth is bad enough, but doing so with dentures is a major red flag. Your prosthetics are not designed to handle the pressure of non-food items and using them as tools can cause chips, fractures, or even breakage. Always use the appropriate tool for any job and stick to using your dentures for food!
By avoiding these harmful habits, you’ll significantly extend the lifespan of your prosthetics and keep your smile healthy and comfortable. Through great care and mindful practices, you can ensure that your dentures last longer and stay in great condition!
About the Author
Dr. Venn Peterson and Dr. Spenser Cammack are dedicated to helping you keep a healthy, beautiful smile with your dentures. Their experienced team offers expert advice and personalized care to ensure your prosthetics stay in top shape. Call (360) 459-4420 to schedule a denture consultation at Peterson and Cammack Family and Cosmetic Dentistry or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.