If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be suffering physically and emotionally. Not only will you be unable to eat and speak properly, but the missing teeth can also affect your appearance and self-esteem. Thankfully, dentures offer an efficient and effective option for anyone who wants to restore their smile back to a functional and appealing state. In fact, an estimated 15 percent of the edentulous population, or people missing one or more teeth, have dentures made each year. With proper understanding and the help of your dentist, dentures may be the right option for your smile's needs.
Lifestyle Changes Are Necessary
Missing teeth can be challenging. Eating and chewing certain foods will be difficult and you may not smile as much as you prefer. However, getting dentures does not give you a free pass to use your teeth like you did in the past. It is important to note that certain lifestyle changes are necessary once you have dentures.
Do not assume the artificial teeth on your dentures are stronger than your natural teeth. You should never use your teeth, or dentures, as tools. Avoid biting your nails, opening packages, or unscrewing bottles with your teeth.
Also, you should not eat certain foods or drink certain beverages. Do not drink caffeinated beverages, such as soda, coffee, and tea. These dark beverages will stain both your natural teeth and your dentures, but consuming an excessive amount of caffeine can dry out your mouth. The reduction in saliva increases the risk of bacteria growth, which can lead to gum disease and the loss of more teeth.
Avoid eating popcorn, nuts, hard fruit, and sticky candy while wearing your dentures, as well. These foods could stick to or break the bridge and artificial teeth.
Dental Exams Are Still Important
Many new denture wearers believe their new smile is indestructible, but that is not the case. Dentures do restore a smile, but they do not prevent you from developing plaque, decay, or gum disease. Due to this risk, you must still visit your dentist for regular exams.
During your regular checkup, your dentist will make sure your dentures are continuing to fit properly in your mouth. A thorough examination of the gum tissue and permanent teeth will also be conducted. This will help the dentist see if the dentures are causing any irritation or damage to surrounding tissue or teeth.
Your dentist will also clean the teeth and gums, scraping away any food and plaque that may have built up on hard-to-reach areas of your mouth due to the dentures.
Cleaning Your Dentures Should Be Taken Seriously
Popping the dentures out of your mouth and into a glass with a cleaning solution may seem simple enough, but there are a few other factors involved in cleaning your dentures.
If you have sensitive teeth and gums, your dentist may have given you dentures with a soft lining. This lining protects your teeth and gums from contact with the denture material, so keeping it intact is important. Make sure to use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed to prevent damage to this lining. If you have metal dentures, choose a cleaner designed for metal only. This special cleaner prevents oxidation and rust to the metal, which keeps your dentures clean and functional.
Lastly, avoid using whitening products on your dentures. The bleaching agents in these pastes, rinses, and polishes can weaken both the denture's bridge and artificial teeth.
Wearing dentures is a great way to improve the function and appeal of your smile. Understanding these simple facts is beneficial if you are considering or wearing new dentures.
Share17 January 2017
After dealing with a few root canals, I realized that it was time to take my dental hygiene a more seriously. I talked with my dentist about what I could do differently, and he was full of great suggestions that would help. He walked me through different ways to brush, floss, and take care of tartar buildup, and it was really amazing to see the difference that it made. I also started taking a fluoride supplement to strengthen my enamel. When I made it to my next appointment, my dentist was blown away with the improvement. This blog is all about improving your dental appointments by keeping your teeth healthier.
