5 Common Misconceptions About Dentures
Many people around the world use dentures, yet many myths still surround this common dental treatment option. Here are five of the biggest misconceptions that exist today.
1. You Can Only Get Dentures if You've Lost All Your Teeth
When many people think of dentures, they imagine two full arcs of false teeth. However, many denture wearers still have many of their own natural teeth. Partial dentures are custom-made to fill the gaps left behind when someone loses several teeth due to gum disease, a traumatic injury, or tooth decay. You can get partial dentures even if you still have most of your natural teeth.
2. It Is Obvious When Someone Is Wearing Dentures
Modern dentures are designed to look just like natural teeth. If you can tell someone is wearing dentures, it is probably because the dentures do not fit the mouth very well, which can lead to the wearer lisping or struggling to chew their food. When dentures fit well, they are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
3. Dentures Are Uncomfortable
If you experience discomfort while wearing dentures, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Discomfort or pain are signs that your dentures do not fit your mouth and need to be adjusted. When dentures fit correctly, they are entirely comfortable to wear.
4. Dentures Require a Special Diet
When you first get full or partial dentures, you might prefer to stick to soft foods for a few days. However, as you get used to how the dentures feel in your mouth, you should be able to diversify your diet to include chewy, hard, and tough foods. After a few days of eating soft foods, such as well-cooked vegetables and oatmeal, try introducing some lightly steamed vegetables, meats, and fruits to test out your new teeth.
5. Dentures Don't Need Cleaning
Unlike natural teeth, dentures are made from inert compounds that do not decay. However, plaque can still build up on them. Over time, this plaque buildup can lead to bad breath and gum disease. For this reason, it is important to clean your dentures every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle denture cleansing solution to scrub them clean after you eat. Overnight, you can deep-clean your dentures by leaving them in a denture soaking liquid, which will also help to keep them moist. In the morning, rinse the dentures with water before placing them back into your mouth.
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