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Whether several teeth or an entire arch needs to be replaced, dentures are a wonderful option for completing your smile. They can return the confidence that comes with a complete and natural-looking set of teeth. Additionally, you can count on your prosthetic to last up to 10 years or more with proper care. However, just like natural teeth, they can be affected by bad oral habits so you want to be sure that you are doing all you can to keep your prosthetics in great condition. Here are five harmful denture habits to avoid so your dentures can last as long as possible!
#1: Not Cleaning Your Dentures Regularly or Properly
Your dentures should be treated just like your natural teeth when it comes to cleaning them. They need to be brushed every day to ensure that they’re free of bacteria, plaque, and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture-specific toothpaste to thoroughly scrub any remaining particles off your prosthetic. Avoid using any harsh tools or products, like a hard-bristled toothbrush or whitening toothpaste, as they can cause damage to your prosthetic.
#2: Neglecting to Clean the Rest of Your Mouth
Oftentimes, personal dental care is just thought of as caring for your teeth, whether natural or artificial. But oral health encompasses your entire mouth since bacteria and plaque can gradually accumulate throughout it. With this in mind, be sure to brush any remaining teeth, gums, tongue, and the inside of the cheeks at least twice a day to maintain good oral health.
#3: Forgetting to Soak Your Dentures Overnight
For dentures to maintain their shape, they need to stay moist. Before going to bed, soak them in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution. Be sure to use room-temperature water; using hot water can warp the material and cause them to lose their perfect fit. In the morning, rinse them before placing them back in your mouth.
#4: Not Handling Your Dentures with Care
Handling your dentures carefully will minimize the risk of cracks or breaks. To prevent any damage, wash them over a sink filled with water or a soft, clean, folded towel so something will break their fall in case you drop them. Additionally, put your dentures in a special case when you are not using them to keep them safe from harm.
#5: Neglecting Your Regular Dental Visits
Even if you don’t have any remaining natural teeth left, it is still crucial that you go to your dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Your dentist will be able to keep track of your oral health, including your gums. Preventive care is important because they can catch any issues before they become more serious problems. They can also make sure your dentures are in good shape and not becoming damaged in any way. If your prosthetic is not fitting correctly, you may need them relined or replaced.
By avoiding these bad denture habits, your dentures should remain in top condition so you can enjoy a complete set of pearly whites for many years. Now that is something to “completely” smile about!
About the Practice
Brush Dental keeps the smiles of Royse City whole, healthy, and beautiful through the expertise of their team of dentists. By taking the time to really listen to their patients, their goal is to provide customized, high-quality dentistry to meet any of their oral health care needs. With advanced dental technology and personalized treatment plans, they can help you complete your smile with dentures and continue to help you keep them in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (469) 723-4000.