Like your natural teeth, your dentures won’t stay in pristine condition if you don’t care for them properly. That’s why patients are encouraged to commit to good habits, like brushing their teeth and cleaning their dentures regularly. What often isn’t as talked about, however, are the things you shouldn’t do. With this in mind, keep reading to learn four habits you should avoid with dentures.
1. Skipping Your Biannual Dental Checkups
You may think that you no longer need to visit your dentist for routine checkups, especially if you don’t have any of your natural teeth left. That’s not the case! Remember, your dental team examines the health of your gums, screens for oral cancer, and checks the condition of your denture at each visit, which benefits your oral and overall health.
2. Eating Extremely Crunchy Foods
Although dentures are designed to restore your complete smile, your oral health, and your strong bite, you should still be mindful of what you eat. After all, hard pretzels, peanut brittle, and other extremely crunchy foods can place immense pressure on your denture and even cause it to chip or crack. So, opt for softer, nutrient-dense foods instead, like oatmeal, vegetable soup, and plain yogurt.
3. Keeping Your Dentures On While You Sleep
Many patients are tempted to keep their dentures on while they sleep, especially if they feel better while they are wearing them. However, doing so can restrict circulation to your gums and increase your risk of pneumonia. For these reasons, it’s best to place it in a clean glass filled with water or a dentist-recommended cleaner while you sleep. They will be fresh, clean, and ready to wear come morning!
4. Using Regular Toothpaste When You Brush
Although dentures are custom-made to look just like the real thing, they are artificial. That’s why patients are instructed to use special products, like a non-abrasive toothpaste. Simple switches like these will not only keep your denture stain and odor-free, but they will also help prevent small scratches from developing on the surface, making your restoration look dull and brittle in the process.
About the Practice
Our team at Crossroads Family Dentistry aims to be there for all of our patients – whether they need to schedule a routine checkup or they are ready to address tooth loss head-on with dentures. Not only that, but we are an ongoing resource to ensure you know exactly what to do (and what not to do) to keep your smile in pristine condition. If you would like to schedule a consultation at our Forest dental office, visit our website or call (434) 841-1704.