It is important to understand how to take proper care of dentures and how to maintain them for people who have or are thinking about getting dentures. Dentures help your natural teeth to work like they used to and increase confidence.
Improper habits and some diet choices can affect the durability and performance of dentures in a negative way. If you are looking for trustable advice, you can consult an expert like a qualified dentist in Great Neck, NY, to make sure that your dentures live a long life.
This article will help you know about the main foods, habits, and products you should stay away from when you are wearing dentures. You will also learn about expert tips to maintain your oral health in the best possible way and with comfort.
Foods to Avoid When Wearing Dentures
Some foods can damage dentures or cause discomfort when you are eating food. You need to understand which foods you should limit so that there is no unnecessary wear and tear. Below are some important foods you should not include in your diet.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, gum, or taffy can move or shift dentures from their place. Food can also stick to the,m which can make it difficult to clean. These items might cause discomfort and decrease the working power of the adhesive.
Hard Foods
Nuts, popcorn kernels, and hard candies can crack or chip dentures. When you eat such foods, it can put pressure on the material of the denture,e and because of this, they can break or displace from their position.
Extremely Hot or Cold Foods
Dentures may not have the same thermal sensitivity as natural teeth, but if you eat or drink anything that has extreme temperatures, it can irritate your gums. You should go for lukewarm options to get comfort.
Tough Meats
Steak and similar chewy meats need a lot of force to bite and chew them. You should go for softer protein options like fish or minced meats so that there is less pressure on your dentures.
Habits That Can Harm Dentures
Apart from diet choices, there are some habits that can greatly decrease the life and functioning of your dentures. You should know about these habits and try to stay away from them to keep your oral health in the best state.
Using Dentures as Tools
Opening packages or bottles with dentures can make their structure weak. Dentures are designed for chewing and should not be used as makeshift tools. Wrong use of dentures can also result in fractures.
Skipping Cleaning Routines
Not cleaning dentures in a proper way every day can cause plaque buildup and bad odors. You need to use proper denture cleaning solutions so that bacteria do not grow in them and maintain your hygiene.
Smoking or Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco can stain dentures and irritate the gums. If you eat tobacco or smoke for a long time, it may also increase the risk of gum disease,e which can affect the fit of the dentures with time.
Wearing Dentures Overnight
Dentures should be removed while sleeping so that the gums can rest. If you wear dentures for a long time, the gums can become sore; there can be infections or irritation because of lack of airflow.
Products to Avoid for Denture Care
It is important to choose the right cleaning products to clean your dentures as much as the care routine is important. Some products can harm dentures, which will reduce their lifetime and cause discomfort.
Whitening Toothpaste
Many whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that can scratch the surfaces of dentures. You should go for non-abrasive denture cleaners to maintain smoothness and stay safe from bacterial growth.
Household Cleaning Products
If you use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean dentures, it can affect the material and can lead to health risks. Special denture cleaning products are safer and can be more effective.
Hot Water
Soaking dentures in hot water can cause warping. Always use lukewarm water when you are washing or soaking your dentures so that their fit and shape can be maintained in the best way.
Over-the-Counter Adhesives
Not all denture adhesives can be used for a long time. Some adhesives can cause gum irritation or do not give the stability that you may need. Talk to your dentist to get the best advice.
Take Control of Your Denture Care Today
If you want to maintain your dentures in an odd shape, it needs more than just basic cleaning. You need to make the correct choices about food, habits, and products. Go to a dental professional to make sure that your dentures remain in the best condition.
