In the last few decades alone, dentures have improved significantly in look and function. In other words, if you haven’t seen this tooth-replacement solution since your great-grandparents had them, you haven’t seen them! They are also more comfortable than ever before since they are custom-made for each patient and crafted from only the best dental materials. But does that mean that you can wear your dentures 24/7? Here’s the answer.
You Can… But Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
For a moment, think of dentures like shoes. Technically, they can be worn day and night. However, doing so wouldn’t be ideal. That’s because your gums need time to rest. Plus, keeping them on around the clock can restrict blood flow, accelerate bone loss, lead to respiratory issues, and increase the chances of your restoration being coated in bacteria and plaque. For all of those reasons, patients are encouraged to place them in a glass of water or denture cleaner while they sleep instead.
A Few Other Best Practices with Dentures
After investing your valuable time and money in the dentures process, it’s only natural to want to keep them in pristine condition for as long as possible. To help make that goal a reality, we recommend adopting a few habits (in addition to taking them out while you sleep):
- Quitting smoking and other unhealthy practices
- Brushing your teeth and dentures after each meal
- Flossing your teeth every day
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet that’s low in added sugar
- Drinking lots of water throughout the day
- Avoiding crunchy, hard, and sticky foods, like caramel candies
Remember, Your Biannual Dental Visits Are Still Important!
There’s a common misconception that dental visits stop when you lose your teeth. That’s not the case! Not only is it possible for your gums to get infected, but your dentist checks for non-dental issues during your exam, like oral cancer. Furthermore, these routine appointments are a great opportunity for them to check the condition of your denture, ensure it still fits properly, and answer any questions you have about how to maintain it.
About the Practice
If you’re struggling with tooth loss – whether you’re missing several teeth or all of them – you know how difficult it can be to smile, talk, and eat. The good news is that our team at Pinnacle Dental offers multiple tooth-replacement solutions, including dentures! If you’re interested in learning more about them, including if partial or full dentures are right for you, then schedule a consultation with our Braintree dental team via our website or by phone at (781) 412-1412.