Getting dentures is a big step toward improving your oral health and overall quality of life. They restore your smile, help you eat comfortably, and bring back confidence. However, proper care is essential to keep your dentures clean, functional, and long-lasting. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly make mistakes that can damage their dentures or harm their oral health.
Here are the top five most common denture care mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Using Regular Toothpaste on Dentures
Why it’s a mistake:
Toothpaste may seem like the obvious choice, but most types are too abrasive for dentures. They can create tiny scratches on the surface, which trap bacteria and cause the dentures to wear out faster.
What to do instead:
Use a non-abrasive denture cleanser and a soft-bristle brush specifically designed for dentures. These will clean effectively without damaging the material.
2. Not Cleaning Dentures Daily
Why it’s a mistake:
Just like natural teeth, dentures collect food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Skipping daily cleaning can lead to bad breath, gum infections, and staining.
What to do instead:
Make denture cleaning a daily habit. Remove and rinse them after meals, and brush them gently once a day using a denture-safe cleanser.
3. Sleeping with Dentures In
Why it’s a mistake:
Wearing dentures overnight doesn’t give your gums a chance to rest. It also increases the risk of infections like denture stomatitis (a fungal infection caused by yeast).
What to do instead:
Take your dentures out every night. Soak them in water or a denture cleaning solution to keep them moist and bacteria-free. This also helps them retain their shape.
4. Using Hot Water to Clean Dentures
Why it’s a mistake:
Hot or boiling water can warp dentures, causing them to lose their shape and fit poorly. This can make them uncomfortable and affect how you speak or eat.
What to do instead:
Always use lukewarm or cold water when cleaning or soaking your dentures. Never expose them to high heat.
5. Trying to Fix or Adjust Dentures at Home
Why it’s a mistake:
It may be tempting to fix a crack or bend a wire yourself, but DIY fixes often causes more harm than good. You could damage the structure or make them unwearable.
What to do instead:
If your dentures feel loose, cracked, or uncomfortable, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They have the proper tools and training to adjust or repair them safely.
Summing Up
Dentures are a big investment in your health and happiness, so taking care of them properly is essential. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can extend the life of your dentures and keep your mouth feeling clean, comfortable, and healthy.
Remember when you are in doubt, ask our dentist at Village Park Family, Orthodontics and Wellness Dentistry. A little professional guidance goes a long way in keeping your smile at its best. Call us today at (281) 376-4444 to schedule an appointment.