Dentures require specific care to stay comfortable and last as long as possible. Avoid these three common mistakes.
Dentures restore function and appearance, but they require more deliberate care than natural teeth. These three habits cause the most damage.
1. Skipping Proper Cleaning
Dentures accumulate bacteria, plaque, and food debris just like natural teeth — but regular toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch the surface over time, creating more places for bacteria to hide. Use a denture-specific cleaner and brush gently. Soak overnight in a recommended solution to prevent the material from drying out and warping.
Neglecting cleaning leads to bad breath, staining, infections, and accelerated material deterioration.
2. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Dentures are engineered to handle normal chewing forces — not the stress of opening packaging, cracking nuts, or biting non-food items. These habits cause cracks, chips, and fractures in the denture material. Damaged dentures become uncomfortable and ineffective, and repairs or replacements are costly.
3. Ignoring Discomfort or Poor Fit
The shape of your gums and jawbone changes over time. Dentures that once fit well may slip, click, or cause sore spots as these changes occur. Ignoring a poor fit leads to gum recession, blisters, and in serious cases, bone loss.
If your dentures feel different — see us. Relining or adjustment is a simple fix that prevents bigger problems down the line.
Questions about denture care? Contact Casco Bay Smiles at (207) 517-7008.
Have More Questions?
Contact Casco Bay Smiles at (207) 517-7008 or request an appointment with Dr. McVety.
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