After going through the process of getting dentures, you of course want to do everything you can to make sure your new teeth last as long as possible. In many cases, it’s not about what you do to help them endure, but rather what you shouldn’t do. By avoiding these four bad habits, you can look forward to countless tasty meals, interesting conversations, and confident smiles.

Wearing Your Dentures to Bed

You should take your denture off before going to bed and soak it overnight. This gives your gums a chance to rest and get some oxygen, both of which can go a long way in preventing infection and soreness.

Placing your denture in a dedicated cleaning solution can also remove stuck-on bacteria so it feels nice and fresh in the morning.

Brushing Your Denture Like Regular Teeth

Cleaning your dentures with regular toothpaste and/or a hard-bristled brush can damage them. Between abrasive ingredients and stiff bristles, this can scratch the prosthetic and create more areas for harmful bacteria to thrive.

The best way to brush your denture is by using a soft brush and toothpaste specifically meant for dental prosthetics. These make it easy to get a deep clean without accidentally removing material.

Using Tobacco

Smoking, chewing, or dipping tobacco can make denture wearers more likely to develop sores and infections that seriously affect their oral health. Plus, it can lead to staining that can’t be fixed with routine teeth whitening.

Quitting tobacco is easier said than done, so it’s wise to go gradually and talk to your dentist about strategies to do so—they’ve helped other patients go through this process before!

Skipping Dental Appointments

Even if you have a full set of dentures, you should still get dental checkups at least twice a year. This gives your dentist the chance to check your prosthetic and gums for any minor issues so they can be addressed before they turn into major problems.

Plus, this makes it easy to know when your denture should be relined or upgraded. Otherwise, not seeing your dentist for a long time can allow a relatively small thing (like the beginning of an infection or damage to the denture) to turn into something much more serious and difficult to treat.

About the Author

Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui is an experienced general and restorative dentist who is proud to serve the Lakeville community. She offers both traditional and dental implant dentures that are personally designed for each patient. Whether you want to talk about getting a denture or simply want a professional to check your current one, you can call 508-947-5717 or click here to request an appointment with Dr. Bui.