Like a prized sportscar or premium espresso machine, dentures require routine maintenance and attentive care. If you handle them improperly, you’ll be in it for repair or replacement costs! To avoid unnecessary expenses and promote your replacement teeth’s longevity, there are certain habits you should avoid. Keep reading for examples of what not to do with your dentures.
Repairing Broken Dentures with Glue
Although the goal is to break your dentures less often, accidents happen. Should something tragic deal damage to your replacement teeth, don’t try to fix them yourself! Since they’re supposed to go in your mouth, you need specific, biocompatible repair materials – of which glue is most definitely not. The toxic ingredients could very well give your body a scare and trigger an adverse reaction, and you could cause more denture damage.
Wearing Ill-Fitting Dentures
Have you ever tried to fit a square peg in a round hole? Odds are the only way it would work is if you shaved down the square peg. Ill-fitting dentures are more likely to slip out of place when you talk or eat, which is annoying, but they’re also more likely to get bent out of shape. Literally!
Sleeping With Your Dentures
It’s important to wear your dentures every day so that a) you can function, and b) your jawbone and gums can receive some healthy stimulation. It’s not a good idea, however, to wear them 24/7. Dentists recommend taking your dentures out while you catch your eight-hour beauty sleep because your gums also need to rest to stay healthy. Plus, if you grind your teeth at night, you’ll wear your dentures out faster.
Leaving Your Dentures in Strange Places
Leaving your dentures on your bathroom sink is one type of problem: they’ll likely dry out and could warp as a result. Leaving your dentures in stranger places, like the kitchen countertop or living room coffee table, could lead to accidents and damage. Especially if there are pets or children running around!
Avoiding Your Dentist
You should stick to biannual checkup appointments, even if you wear a full set of dentures. Your dentist can keep an eye on your replacement teeth and help you maintain them, so that potential problems are addressed before they can become big burdens on your wallet. They’d also be more than happy to give you detailed cleaning advice or address any questions you might have. Don’t be shy and boldly step through the door to talk about your dentures!
About the Dentist
Dr. Sam Antoon earned his dental doctorate from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. With over two decades of experience and a commitment to continuing education, you can trust that you’ll be in good hands under Dr. Antoon’s care. If you have questions or concerns about your dentures, call his office at 972-640-6229.