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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

Like many people who need to lose a few pounds, I try diet after diet in an attempt to find one that finally works for me. I learned the hard way that I need to make sure any diet will not harm my teeth, even if it does help me lose a few pounds. I learned this lesson when following a grapefruit diet. There are many versions of this, but the version I tried had me eat a grapefruit alone several times each day. It was supposed to suppress my appetite. I helped keep me from munching on unhealthy snacks, but the acid in the fruit took a toll on my tooth enamel and I quickly started getting lots of cavities. I created this blog to remind people that change up their diets often to make sure the foods they are eating are not harming their teeth.

Common Causes Of Denture Damage

22 August 2023
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

When you rely on dentures, you need to keep them in the best possible condition for long-term use. Any kind of damage to your dentures can make them uncomfortable to wear or impossible to use. Since they are costly to replace, it's important that you understand the most common reasons for denture repair so you can minimize your risk of damage. Here are some of the things that you should know.

Improper Handling

Rough handling, dropping your dentures, or using the wrong substance to clean them can lead to inadvertent damage. It is recommended to place a towel in the sink or fill the sink with water before you take your dentures out so that, if you drop them, they land somewhere soft and are less likely to crack or chip. Physical damage of any kind can weaken the denture material and lead to complications.

Irresponsible Food Choices

Chewing on anything that is particularly hard, sticky, or chewy can lead to damage to your dentures as well. The excessive pressure resulting from these types of foods can lead to cracks or fractures in the denture material. Make sure you choose your foods carefully to avoid this complication.

Not only that, but you should also be attentive to the temperature of anything you consume when you have dentures. Anything extremely hot could cause thermal shock to your dentures, leading to warping or cracking. Make sure you allow coffee, soup, and other hot products to cool slightly before consuming them.

Damaging Nighttime Behaviors

If you wear your dentures when you sleep, grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw can actually cause damage to the denture structure. The pressure from these actions can crack the denture or damage a tooth. Consider wearing a mouth guard or leaving your dentures to soak overnight so that you don't inadvertently damage them.

Deteriorating Wear and Tear

Over time, wear and tear are unavoidable on your dentures. Everyday behaviors including eating, speaking, and cleaning will cause your dentures to weaken over time. Proper care can prolong their life, but you may need some repairs periodically to keep them in good condition.

These are some of the most common causes of damage to your dentures. Avoid trying to use the do-it-yourself repair kits as some of those materials can actually cause more damage. Instead, talk with a dentist near you to have your dentures repaired when they show any signs of damage.

For more info about damaged denture repair, contact a local professional.