After you receive dentures, you will no longer need to worry about dental decay. However, that does not mean you can forget about the importance of caring for both your mouth and your teeth — even if those teeth are not natural! What are some harmful habits that you should avoid with dentures in order to protect your new smile? This blog post explains a few.
Nail Biting
Nail-biting is never a good habit, even for people who still have all their natural teeth. It is even worse for people with dentures, though, because chewing your nails could easily chip your prosthetic teeth and lead to premature wear and tear. If biting your nails is a nervous habit for you, try to replace it with something less risky. For example, you could try some breathing exercises or squeeze a stress ball.
Chewing Gum
For people with natural teeth, chewing sugar-free gum is not a problem. In fact, it can even have some distinct advantages. However, the same thing is not true for denture wearers. Gum could stick to your prosthetic teeth, and it may be difficult to remove. In some cases, even gum that is advertised as safe for dentures can cause problems. Instead of chewing gum, it may be better to suck on a sugar-free mint.
Sleeping in Your Dentures
It is understandable if you like the idea of having your denture in your mouth 24/7. Unfortunately, that is not wise in most cases. You should remove your dentures at night so your gums have a chance to breathe. This encourages good circulation and can reduce your risk of bad breath, infections, and sores. Plus, removing your dentures allows you to keep them as clean and fresh as possible.
Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Even though dentures are invulnerable to cavities, they can still accumulate stains and odors. Plus, your gums are still able to contract infections. Thorough oral hygiene can drastically lower your risk of such issues. You should clean your dentures each night with a soft brush and mild soap. It is also important to clean your gums and swish with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Not Visiting Your Dentist
Just like people who still have their natural teeth, denture wearers should visit their dentist twice a year for a checkup. At these appointments, your dentist can examine both your prosthetic and your mouth. If there are any developing problems, you may be able to get them addressed before they become serious.
Bad habits can spell trouble for your dentures and your oral health! Try to avoid the practices mentioned in this blog post so your restored smile can stay in good shape.
Meet the Practice
Wellesley Dental Group is proud to offer a full range of restorative treatments for patients in our community, including dentures, denture maintenance, and more. If you have questions about how to care for your prosthetic teeth, or about anything else that relates to your smile’s health, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our team at 781-691-4914.