We all have bad habits that can be difficult to break, even with a New Year’s resolution. However, these five in particular could end up breaking your dentures! The last thing you want is to have to spend precious coffee money repairing what should be a long-lasting investment. Keep reading so you know what compulsions to avoid.
#1: Don’t Make Poor Oral Hygiene a Habit
Harmful bacteria collects on dentures as you go about your day. This can cause staining and bad breath, which is annoying enough. What’s even worse is that neglecting denture maintenance could also cause gum disease, which is linked to systemic health issues like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis.
To avoid making poor oral hygiene a habit, make sure you brush your dentures twice a day, floss once a day, rinse out your mouth with mouthwash, and soak your dentures in their special cleaning solution.
#2: How Nail and Lip Biting Could Cause Problems for Dentures
Bad biting habits like nail and lip biting are not good for natural teeth, let alone dentures. The more you bite, the more often you’ll exert pressure on your dentures and gums. This can strain your prosthetics and irritate your soft oral tissue. After a while of biting down on nails in particular, your dentures are likely to crack and chip.
#3: Dentures Don’t like Chewing Gum
Dentures really don’t like chewing gum – a fact you might have already noticed if you’re an avid gum-enjoyer. Since they’re not rooted down to your jaw like natural teeth, sticky substances like gum can easily pull dentures out of place. Sometimes this can be more than a simple annoyance. Chewing-gum can be difficult to clean off, and if your dentures get lifted away often, your own gums could develop sores.
#4: Beware of Overusing Your Dentures
Just as proper denture hygiene is really important, so is proper denture use. While you’ll want to wear them everyday to promote your general oral health, you don’t want to wear them 24/7. Your dentures put pressure on your gums and can restrict circulation. Basically, you need to give your gums a break to keep them healthy (and avoid unpleasant odors).
Removing your dentures every night is typically recommended for convenience. The main point is to keep them off your gums for six to eight hours per day. So if you’re a night owl or need to be up later than usual, just make sure to find an alternative time slot.
#5: Don’t Avoid Your Dentist!
Your dentist has special training and equipment for keeping your dentures in pristine condition. Visiting your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings helps them help you. They’ll clean off bacteria-causing plaque to protect you against gum disease and can repair ill-fitting or damaged dentures. They’re also very good at spotting and treating problems before they turn into big complications.
When it comes to breaking bad habits, we all need a little help staying on track. Denture maintenance can seem tedious, but your dentist can recommend some tips and tricks that’ll help keep you motivated. They’re here to support you and your oral health, so don’t be afraid to give them a call!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean is passionate about his patients and their oral health. He knows that maintaining dentures can be tricky, especially when compulsive bad habits get in the way. If you’re worried about the durability of your dentures, contact his office at 770-786-3915. Dr. Dean will be happy to consult with you! To learn more about his practice, visit the Dean Dental Care website.