Despite being more affordable than other tooth replacement options, dentures are still a significant investment for many people. Naturally, you’ll want to keep them in good working condition for as long as possible. Here’s how you can protect your dentures and help get the most out of your beautiful new smile!
Proper Usage
Your dentures were designed to help you chew food and speak clearly, just like natural teeth do. But using them for purposes other than those can easily cause them to break. Repairing them can often be costly, and that’s only if they’re fixable. Some damage could be so severe that you may need to replace them entirely. Bottom line, don’t use your dentures to tear open packages, chew pen caps, or bite your fingernails. Stick to approved foods and cooking preparations, and you’ll greatly reduce the risk of accidental damage.
Proper Diet
Another way to maintain the health of your dentures is to only eat approved foods. Here’s a list of things you should avoid:
- Crunching ice
- Hard candies
- Sticky candies like taffy and caramels
- Gummies
- Tough meats like steak
- Raw vegetables and some fruits
Foods like fruits and veggies are great for us, so there’s no need to cut them from your diet entirely, just be sure to prepare them safely. Steaming vegetables will soften them up so they’re easier to break down, and cutting fruits like apples into bite size pieces so you don’t need to bite into them with your front teeth can help extend the life of your dentures as well.
To keep your teeth clean and stain free, limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and dark colas. If you do indulge in these from time to time, be sure to clean your dentures well afterwards before stains have a chance to set.
Proper Cleaning
Even though they’re not your natural teeth, you still need to regularly clean your dentures. This mean brushing them thoroughly, flossing them, and rinsing them well to remove debris. Be sure to clean each tooth as well as all surfaces of the base, as food particles can become trapped on all sides. Be sure to remove all traces of adhesive as well, as this can also accumulate food and bacteria.
Furthermore, when you do clean your dentures, be sure to take a few additional safety measures. Line your sink with a towel before filling it with water in case you accidentally drop them, and always remove them from your mouth when brushing so you’re sure to clean every surface.
Proper Storage
Take your dentures out every single night before you go to bed. Do not attempt to sleep in them. When they are not in your mouth, do not let them dry out. Place them in a cup of water or denture soak until they are ready to be put back in. This will keep them from warping or cracking. This type of damage allows bacteria and food to become trapped inside, and even alters the way they fit you, and typically cannot be repaired, so if it occurs you will need to replace them.
Your new dentures should last between five and ten years with proper care and usage. Follow these guidelines to make the most of your new smile and enjoy them for as long as possible.
About Our Practice
The team of dentists at Compass Dental wants to help you make the best of your smile. Whether it’s a cleaning, a filling, a cosmetic procedure, or a new pair of dentures, we’re here to help you achieve your oral health goals.
