Denture Don’ts: 5 Harmful Habits You Should Break

If you still think of old, bulky restorations when you think of dentures, then you haven’t seen the modern ones used today. In addition to being custom-made for each patient, they are crafted from only the best materials, resulting in them lasting for 10+ years with proper care. The key to keeping yours in tip-top shape is incorporating healthy habits into your routine while simultaneously breaking bad ones, like:

1. Not Using the Proper Cleaning Products

Although dentures are custom-made to look and feel like the real thing, they are artificial. So, it’s important that you use the proper cleaning products, like a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should NOT use harsh household cleaners, like bleach, since they contain toxins that are not safe to ingest. In fact, even using regular toothpaste can scratch the surface of your dentures, negatively impacting their appearance, so make sure to ask your dentist for their recommendations.

2. Keeping Your Dentures On While You Sleep

Keeping your dentures on while you sleep may seem like a good idea, but it can actually restrict circulation to your gums, increase your risk of pneumonia, and lead to mouth sores. That’s why patients are encouraged to get in the habit of soaking their restoration in a dentist-recommended cleaner (or a glass of water) overnight instead.

3. Skipping Your Biannual Dental Visits

Remember, even if you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, you need to schedule a dental checkup every six months. After all, your dentist covers a lot of ground at these visits – from screening for oral cancer to looking for early warning signs of gum disease. They also examine the condition of your denture, ensuring that chips, cracks, and other minor damage are fixed ASAP.

4. Eating Crunchy, Sticky, and Sugary Foods

To put it simply, your diet impacts both your oral health and the condition of your dentures. For this reason, patients are encouraged to eat cottage cheese, plain yogurt, oatmeal, and other softer, more nutrient-dense foods. Simultaneously, they are asked to eliminate foods from their diet that have the potential to cause dental damage, like hard pretzels.

5. Using Your Teeth as Tools to Open Things

Be honest… Do you use your teeth to remove plastic wrapping or bottle caps? Do you bite your nails, chew on ice cubes, or smoke? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then it’s important that you stop! Habits like these may seem harmless, but they have the potential to shorten the lifespan of your dentures.

About the Practice

Our team at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh isn’t just here to give you a denture that looks and feels incredible; we’re here to help you maintain it! That’s why we offer routine checkups and emergency appointments, and we’re always just a phone call away if you have any questions. If you need to schedule an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly dental team via our website or by phone at (412) 854-2310.