Your dentures cost a pretty penny, and they should last for years—key word, should. But some folks manage to destroy them faster than you can say “tooth fairy.” Let’s talk about the quickest ways to prematurely destroy your dentures, essentially throwing all the money you spent down the drain. By the end, you’ll know what to avoid for the future.
You Skip the Proper Cleaning Routine
Think you can clean dentures like regular teeth? Think again. Using regular toothpaste might seem logical, but it’s actually too abrasive for denture materials. The harsh ingredients scratch the surface, creating tiny grooves where bacteria love to hide.
Hot water presents another problem. Many people rinse their dentures with steaming hot water, not realizing it warps the plastic. Your dentures need to fit precisely, and warped dentures mean sore spots and embarrassing slips.
Here’s what else can destroy dentures during a clean:
- Using whitening toothpaste or bleach
- Scrubbing with hard-bristled brushes
- Soaking in hot water
- Using household cleaners
You Ignore What Your Dentist Says
Your dentist didn’t go to school for eight years just to hear themselves talk. When they recommend regular check-ups, they mean it. Skipping these appointments allows small problems to become big, expensive ones.
Professional adjustments keep your dentures fitting properly. Without them, you’ll experience pressure points that damage your dentures and your gums. Many people figure they can tough it out, but this approach leads to cracked dentures and painful sores.
You Develop Destructive Daily Habits
Bad habits that may ruin your dentures sneak up on you. Chewing ice might seem harmless, but it puts tremendous pressure on denture materials. One wrong bite and you’re looking at a crack that spreads like a spider web.
Nail biting creates similar problems. Your dentures cannot handle hard materials like fingernails. The constant pressure weakens the denture base and can snap clasps on partial dentures.
Opening packages with your teeth ranks as one of the worst offenses. Dentures cost thousands of dollars—they’re not bottle openers. Use scissors or ask for help instead of risking damage.
You Choose the Wrong Products
Not all denture products work the same way. Cheap adhesives from the dollar store might save money upfront, but they often contain ingredients that break down denture materials over time. Quality matters when it comes to what touches your dentures daily.
Some people use fixatives as a long-term solution for ill-fitting dentures. This creates a dangerous cycle where the adhesive masks problems that need professional attention. Eventually, the constant use of strong adhesives can actually damage the denture surface.
Over-the-counter repair kits present another temptation. These DIY solutions rarely work properly and often make problems worse. Professional repairs cost more initially, but they prevent complete denture replacement.
Your dentures represent a significant investment in your health and confidence. Proper care extends their lifespan and keeps them functioning correctly. Follow your dentist’s cleaning instructions, attend regular check-ups, and break those destructive habits before they break your dentures. Avoid prematurely destroying your dentures if you can help it.
