You love your dentures. After all, they help you eat, speak, and enjoy life with restored and renewed oral function. It’s only natural that you would want them to last as long as possible! To do that, though, you have to take care of them properly, and denture maintenance can be confusing.
Never fear! This post has got you covered. To learn more about which habits you should avoid – and what you should do instead – keep reading.
Avoid: Sleeping with Your Dentures
Your dentist might’ve instructed you to wear your brand-new dentures 24/7 for a brief period of time. This is to help your mouth adjust to the appliance, but if you continue with this habit past your advised end-date, you could seriously harm your gums – and your dentures. Gums that don’t get a break can become irritated and recede, which will affect how your dentures fit. This is a problem that only an adjustment or repair can solve.
Instead: Wear Your Dentures During the Day – Daily!
Even though you shouldn’t wear your dentures all the time, you shouldwear them during the day, every day. If you leave them out on your bathroom sink for too long, they’ll dry out and become warped or cracked. And if you have partials but neglect to use them, your teeth could shift, and your jaw could move out of alignment. Either way, you could be looking at – you guessed it! – denture repairs or adjustments.
Avoid: Using Certain Cleaning Materials
It’s vital to keep your dentures clean, but certain materials can do more harm than good. Abrasive toothpastes can cause excessive wear, certain chemicals can stain or react negatively to your appliance, and anything involving hot water could warp their shape! Be sure to check in with your dentist before using any cleaning methods or substances you heard through the grapevine or found on the internet.
Instead: Lean on Your Dentist Regularly
Your dentist can help promote your denture’s longevity by providing any necessary adjustments – and they can also check on your gum health and whiten your appliance. Unhealthy gums will have a hard time supporting dentures, so it’s important to catch any warning signs of gum disease early, before it advances and spreads. Keeping up with your denture’s appearance, meanwhile, can motivate you to maintain them, as well as boost your confidence.
The pros recommend visiting your dentist for these preventative care measures every six months. Basically, if it’s been a while since your last appointment, don’t hesitate to give them a call, and don’t forget to ask for more personalized denture care tips!
About the Practice
Dr. Greg Riley and Dr. Duane Keuning have many years of experience in dentistry and have diligently pursued advanced training opportunities since starting their careers. With their seasoned skills and in-depth knowledge of oral health and maintenance, you can trust them to provide reliable advice and assistance for taking good care of your dentures! To contact Dr. Riley and Dr. Keuning’s office, call 561-622-7243.