Good denture care involves keeping them clean, keeping them safe in a secure location when not in use, and keeping them from damage by avoiding overly hard foods. Stick to these habits, and your dental prosthetic is much more likely to last you for several years before needing to be replaced!
But how do you know when it’s time to request a new set? Fortunately, you won’t have to guess – there are a few signs you can watch out for. Keep reading to learn what they are!
Your Dentures Keep Falling or Slipping Out
Dentures rely on suction to stay in place in your mouth; while this works pretty well most of the time, dentures that frequently fall out or slip probably need to be replaced. As you age, your mouth will start to change shape. At first this might not create many issues for you, but eventually your dentures may no longer fit properly – hence all the moving around. Let your dentist know the problem is getting excessive, and they’ll be happy to provide you with a new appliance.
You Have Oral Discomfort or Sores
Similarly, dentures that still fit well generally won’t cause oral discomfort. If they don’t line up in your mouth correctly, though, they could make your gums quite tender, cause chaffing and sore spots, or create pain while chewing. Basically, it’s a good rule of thumb to assume that if there’s an unusual change in your oral health, your dentures probably need to be swapped out.
Your Dentures Have Signs of Wear
Finally, signs of normal wear and tear are also a good indication that it’s time for a new oral appliance. Both real teeth and false teeth experience some erosion after years of use – after all, biting and chewing all day is tough work! Damage, irreversible discoloration, and less effective function all count as symptoms of excessive wear.
Your Dentist Says So!
Here’s a bonus tip: dentists recommend visiting their office for regular checkups every six months, even if you have a full set of dentures. During these checkups, they’ll examine how well your dentures are sitting in your mouth and look for erosion. Schedule these appointments accordingly, and you’ll never go too long with outdated dentures!
About the Practice
Dr. Shayan Azimi and Dr. Jay Patel make an excellent team, combining their different areas of expertise to provide their patients with comprehensive, quality dental services. As the general dentist at Arts Family Dentistry, Dr. Azimi will gladly help you keep tabs on your dentures so you won’t have to guess when they’ll need to be replaced. To contact their office, call 469-529-8879.