Denture Don’ts: 5 Habits You Should Avoid with Dentures

Did you know that dentures can last for 10+ years? It’s true! To prolong the lifespan of yours, your dentist will provide you with helpful tips on what to do to keep them in pristine condition. However, it’s equally as important to know what NOT to do. With this in mind, read on for five habits you should avoid with dentures.

1. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Have you ever used your teeth to remove plastic wrapping? Or put your keys in your mouth because your hands were full? Habits like these may seem harmless, but they dramatically increase the likelihood of your dentures breaking. So, if you haven’t already, make an active effort to stop!

2. Eating Crunchy and Sticky Foods

While extremely crunchy foods can cause your restoration to break, extremely sticky sweets can pull yours out of place. That’s why patients with dentures are encouraged to fill their plates with nutrient-dense foods that are softer in consistency, like cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and oatmeal.

3. Not Brushing Consistently

Remember, even though your dentures can’t decay, your natural teeth can develop cavities. Plus, your restoration will develop an unpleasant odor if you don’t brush consistently. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive oral hygiene products to keep your dentures in pristine condition; a soft-bristled toothbrush and dentist-recommended denture cleaner will do the trick!

4. Skipping Your Biannual Dental Visits

All too often, patients assume that they don’t need to schedule routine checkups and cleanings once they have their dentures. That’s not the case! In fact, your biannual visits allow your dentist to periodically examine the condition of your restoration and make sure it still fits properly.

5. Keeping Your Dentures on While You Sleep

Keeping your dentures on while you sleep may seem harmless, but it can actually lead to several problems, including an increased risk of pneumonia. The best thing to do is soak yours in a glass of water or a denture cleaner while you sleep. Then, come morning, they’ll be fresh and clean!

About the Practice

Our team at Pace Dental is proud to provide fully customized dentures for patients who are struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss, but that’s truly just the beginning. We’re also here to be an ongoing resource to answer any questions you have and help you keep your restoration in pristine condition throughout the years. So, if you’re ready to schedule your first consultation or you need your dentures relined, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (703) 938-6800.