Modern dentures have allowed many people to enjoy having complete smiles after tooth loss, but some may not realize that a few common habits can cause these appliances to degrade and eventually break. Luckily, a little knowledge about proper denture care may be all you need to keep your new teeth in great shape. Here’s some important information about three habits that can harm your dentures.
Continuous Denture Wear May Set You Up for a Scare
Today’s dentures are made from remarkably lifelike materials that make wearing them incredibly comfortable. Unfortunately, this comfort may make it a little too easy for some patients to wear their appliances for days on end. Neglecting to remove and soak your dentures for eight hours daily will allow plaque and food debris to accumulate beneath the appliances while restricting blood flow to the gums and making it harder to fight oral infections. This can lead to soft tissue irritation, gum disease, and bad breath.
Smoking Will Leave Your Gums Choking
Tobacco use in any form is utterly terrible for your oral health in a plethora of ways, but it can be especially problematic for people who wear dentures. The gum tissue hardens for defense when it is exposed to the noxious chemicals in tobacco smoke and juice, and having to do this frequently can exhaust the soft tissues in your mouth and lead to their recession. Nicotine, the addictive chemical in tobacco, also causes blood vessels to constrict, which makes it harder for the gums to fight infection.
The erosion of the gum tissue and bone structure caused by tobacco use can eventually leave the dentures fitting poorly and make replacement necessary. Quitting smoking may be the best thing you can do for your appliance and your oral health.
Skipping Dental Appointments Can Cause Much Disappointment
Even if you have lost all your teeth, it’s still essential to see your dentist regularly so they can monitor your oral health, address issues in their early stages, and recommend better hygiene practices. Neglecting to see your dentist at least twice a year will leave a denture patient much more likely to develop destructive oral infections that can cause their dentures to fit poorly as well as a host of other nasty health problems.
Regular dental visits also allow your oral health professional to make adjustments to your dentures as necessary so they can continue fitting comfortably for as long as possible. It will eventually be necessary to replace your appliance, and your dentist is the person most qualified to determine when you are ready for a new restoration.
About the Practice
21st Century Dental of Irving provides its community with modern and effective oral health treatments in a clean and calming office environment. Led by Drs. Jeff Roy, Ashley Bristow, and Jonni Kumar, the staff treats each patient with genuine compassion and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact the office online or dial (972) 255-3712.