A good habit can shape your day. Like little rituals, they can help you get up and get going in the morning or help wind you down for sleep. A bad habit, on the other hand, can be harmful or even costly – and there are plenty of less-than-stellar ones that can prematurely wear out your dentures!
If you’d rather your dental replacement remain strong and durable for years to come, then you should replace any bad habits with a positive routine. Keep reading for some examples!
Bad Denture Habits
What exactly is a bad denture habit? They can take many forms, but below you’ll find some of the more common ones.
Sleeping With Your Dentures
Your dentist might instruct you to sleep with new dentures for the first night or two, however, wearing them 24/7 after that means they’re not getting cleaned as thoroughly. Essentially, you’re exposing your mouth to dried food particles and bacteria. Ew.
Skipping Out on Brushing
It can be tempting not to brush or clean your dentures when you’re tired. But you know how it is – when you skip one session, it’s easier to talk yourself into skipping the next, and the next… Before you know it, your dentures have become a terrarium for growing bacteria!
DIY Denture Repair
If your dentures snap or crack, you really shouldn’t slap duct tape on them and call it a day. Even those with a more refined palette for DIY shouldn’t attempt to repair their dentures themselves. This usually causes more harm than good!
Good Replacement Habits for Your Dentures
Replacing these bad habits with more positive ones will help foster a beneficial denture routine that will keep them well-maintained. Here’s what you should do:
Soak Your Dentures at Night
Soaking your dentures for six to eight hours a day lets the cleaner sanitize them from top to bottom – and gives your gums a much-deserved break. Instead of sleeping with your dentures, take them out every night for a thorough bath.
Brush Twice Daily
Dentists recommend brushing natural teeth twice daily to effectively mitigate bacteria build up. The same goes for your dentures! Make sure you also remove them completely so you can clean the underside.
Let Your Dentist Repair Broken Dentures
Your dentist is a trained professional with professional tools. In other words, they’re better equipped to repair broken dentures than you and a bottle of superglue! Don’t DIY your dentures; simply pick up the phone and call your dentist.
Building a solid denture routine based off these beneficial habits will help them last longer, look pristine, and ultimately save you from frequent trips to your dentist. So don’t forget to take care of them after you wake up and before you go to sleep!
About the Practice
The Shinkawa family would be happy to help you maintain your dentures with good habits! They have a combined 50 years of experience in dentistry, so you can rest assured they know all kinds of tips and tricks for denture care. If you’d like to know more about best denture practices or are in need of repairs, call Dr. Gerald Shinkawa’s office at 559-226-5656.