If you damage your dentures, contact your dentist right away. Depending on the type of denture, your dentist can repair the damage.
How common is denture damage?
It can be easy to damage your dentures if you aren't careful with them. Although our dentist will provide you with a full set of instructions on how to care for your dentures, following these tips can help reduce the chances that they'll become damaged:
- Don't use toothpaste to clean your dentures—use a mild soap or cleanser instead. Toothpaste is designed to remove plaque from your teeth, and too much residue on your dentures can irritate your gums.
- Avoid using household cleaners when cleaning your dentures, as they may contain chemicals that could cause damage to them.
- Soak your dentures overnight in water or a cleaning solution to keep them in good shape.
- Be careful with your dentures when eating, and try to only eat soft foods. Hard foods like steak can cause dentures to break if you bite down on them.
- If you do happen to damage or break your dentures, contact your dentist right away to get an appointment to fix them as soon as possible.
A dentist doesn't recommend removing broken dentures at home because you may end up accidentally cutting yourself on the sharp pieces. You don't want an infection to set in as a result. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort from your dentures and need a replacement set, a dental office near you can make arrangements for you to come in for an appointment right away.
What causes denture damage?
Perhaps the most common reason for damage to dentures is improper care. When you don't follow your normal cleaning routine or skip out on certain steps, your dentures can become damaged and require repairs.
Another problem that can affect dentures' integrity is an improper fit. If your dentures aren't fitting properly, they can become loose and slip around in your mouth. This can cause them to chip or crack as well as cause painful sores to develop on the gums near where the dentures are slipping and rubbing on your gums.
How can you prevent denture damage?
The best thing you can do for your dentures is to keep them clean by brushing them every day. It's also important to remove your dentures at night to give your gums a chance to rest from the pressure of supporting your artificial teeth. When removing your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap to gently scrub them down. Never use abrasive toothpaste because it can scratch the surface of the dentures and cause microscopic cracks that wreak havoc on your oral health.
If your dentures are damaged, it's important to have them repaired or refitted right away. Broken dentures can cause irritation and pain in your mouth, making it hard to eat and speak clearly. Please call us if you notice any problems so we can have your dentures adjusted before they cause further damage. If you're in need of new dentures, make an appointment for a consultation. We'll be able to recommend the best treatment for your individual needs.
What to do if you chip or crack your dentures
If you damage your dentures, give us a call today to schedule an appointment to repair them. Don't put off repairs for too long, as it can lead to more damage to your teeth and mouth. Also, the longer you wait, the more likely you are to need a new set of dentures altogether.
At your appointment, our dentist will check the damaged area and repair it as best as possible. This might include patching up the broken part with a filling material like composite resin. The resin will match the color of your existing teeth, so nobody will be able to tell that you've had any work done. If the tooth enamel is chipped or broken too badly to be repaired, we'll need to cover it with a dental crown. This will both protect the tooth from further damage and give it back its function and appearance.
For more information about damaged dentures and other restorative dentistry procedures, call us.
