Once patients get used to dentures in Knoxville, it won’t feel like they’re wearing them. Unfortunately, the more comfortable some wearers become with their new teeth, the more likely they start to neglect them. When this happens, they end up wearing ill-fitting or worn-out dentures. Unless they change their ways, their artificial teeth will eventually give them oral health issues.
Dentures could be the next best thing for you if you’ve lost enough of your teeth. If you’re seriously considering this restorative solution, you’ll want to know from the get-go that caring for them requires special effort. We’ve compiled the biggest mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of if you want your new smile to last longer.
Mistakes You Should Avoid With Dentures
Not Wearing Them Regularly
It’s worth noting that while you should wear your false teeth regularly, they’re not meant to be worn 24/7. However, you’ll be surprised how often other patients forget to wear them. Ignoring your dentures or failing to pop them back in after taking them out will eventually cause them to dry out or deform.
When you’re not wearing yours, it’s best to soak them in water to keep them moist. Moreover, if your dentures are brand-new, you’ll want to wear them regularly to shorten your adjustment period.
Not Giving Your Mouth a Break
Although your dentist recommends wearing your dentures regularly, they’ll advise you to take them off before bed. Removing them at bedtime will give your gums and mouth a much-needed break after wearing dentures the entire day. It’s also the best time to take them off because you won’t have to talk to anyone or do anything else while asleep.
Conversely, wearing your dentures while sleeping increases your risk of developing an infection because this habit keeps more bacteria in the mouth. Studies show that those who wear their dentures to bed have a higher risk of pneumonia and oral health issues such as tongue plaque, gum plaque, and gum inflammation.
Wearing Poorly Fitted Dentures
Wearing dentures that don’t fit right puts you at risk for gum irritation as food particles and debris make their way between your artificial teeth and gums. For this reason, it’s best to let your dentist know if you have any issues with how your dentures fit.
Not Cleaning Them Properly and Regularly
While some people only clean their dentures when they’re about to visit the dentist, others think that cleaning their artificial teeth only involves soaking them in a glass of water. Besides being bad for oral hygiene, these bad habits can cause dentures to deteriorate more quickly and become worn and smelly due to the buildup of germs and bacteria.
If you want to get the most out of your new teeth, you’ll want to clean them properly daily. For example, soaking them in hot water can cause them to warp, become misshapen, and even spur the need for replacement. Likewise, a hard-bristled toothbrush and abrasive toothpaste can leave scratches on them. These scratches can quickly become a magnet for plaque and bacteria to build up.
Going the DIY Route
Most dentures feature complicated designs that require special tools and skills to adjust correctly. Even the slightest adjustment can cause changes to their structure. For this reason, it’s best to leave denture repairs and adjustments to your dental care provider.
Considering Dentures in Knoxville?
Dr. Brian Rich, DMD, is committed to providing you with quality dentistry in a relaxing, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Contact our office today to make an appointment.
