Having dentures can actually be a great choice for many people, as they can easily and painlessly replace a full set of teeth or just the upper or lower set, and can allow you to eat freely without worrying about the pain of exposed gums from gaps in your teeth. They can also give you a very attractive smile! If you're a first-time denture wearer, note some common mistakes you'll want to avoid to ensure they last as long as possible and that you keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
Don't tolerate a poor fit
Your new dentures may seem a bit uncomfortable when you first try them; your gums and jaw muscles need to become accustomed to them, so some soreness and discomfort is normal at first. However, if your facial muscles are still sore or the dentures feel very uncomfortable in your mouth after a few weeks, or as noted by your dentist, go back to his or her office and have those dentures checked. He or she may want to resize them or reshape them for a better fit.
Note, too, that your jaw shape may change as you age, so you need to keep going back to your dentist as often as recommended in order to have new dentures made or to have your current dentures adjusted. No matter his or her recommendations, revisit your dentist if the dentures obviously don't fit well, as tolerating a poor fit can mean constant pain in the jaw, the risk of having the dentures break, and the potential for sores to develop along the gum line.
Don't stop brushing
Your dentures will need to be cleaned on their own with a special soft brush meant for dentures, and typically soaked overnight. However, you still want to mind your oral hygiene. Brushing exposed gums, your tongue, and other areas of the mouth will remove germs and bacteria and reduce your risk of oral infections and halitosis.
Don't let the dentures dry out
If you need to remove your dentures for any length of time for any reason, put them in a cleansing solution or at least a cup of water; don't just set them down and let them dry out. The porcelain material used to make dentures can get brittle when it gets dry, and this can increase the risk of the dentures cracking or breaking. If the dentures have dried out, run them under water before putting them back in your mouth so they can absorb that moisture and stay soft and less prone to breakage.
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