Correcting Some Common Misconceptions About Dentures
Posted on: 24 July 2017
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Dentures are a very good choice for anyone who has lost many of their teeth, either through age, poor dental health, or severe damage to the teeth and gums. Dentures can also give a person a healthy and attractive smile if their teeth are rotted and decayed, as these teeth can be extracted and replaced with dentures.
Despite their benefits, some persons might avoid getting dentures because they're confused about how they look and how they're managed every day. Note a few common misconceptions about dentures, so you know all your options for a healthy mouth and beautiful smile.
Dentures need to be removed when eating certain foods
Dentures are not indestructible, and patients are often cautioned against eating toffee and other hard candies, as well as chewy foods like taffy. Your own dentist might offer suggestions for how to handle other foods, like corn on the cob. However, don't assume that you would need to remove your dentures every time you want to enjoy a steak or apple, or any of your other favourite foods; dentures are meant to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing most foods, and typically don't cause issues with everyday meals.
Dentures give you bad breath
Bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene; not brushing, flossing, and rinsing properly every day allows food particles and germs to cling to teeth and gums, creating a bad odour. Health problems like infected tonsils, infected gums, or even acid reflux disease can also cause bad breath. Note that dentures themselves are not the cause of bad breath, so as long as you clean them every day, and are sure to clean the rest of your mouth as well, you shouldn't notice any bad odours when wearing them.
Dentures are noticeable
If you've had rotted, decayed, or missing teeth for any length of time, your friends and family will of course immediately recognize when you get dentures. You may also want to discuss this procedure with your family, as you may need a few weeks to adjust to having new dentures in your mouth. Talking and eating may be a bit awkward during that initial time period.
However, once you get accustomed to having dentures, they are typically not noticeable to anyone. Dentures are made to fit your mouth specifically, and high-quality dentures with a good adhesive should never slip around, or fall out. Don't let the fear of such embarrassment keep you from discussing the need for dentures with your dentist.