Tooth Tips for Later Life

5 Denture Myths Busted

Dentures are a tooth replacement option used by a huge number of people around the world. Despite their prevalence, dentures are still poorly understood by many. Here are a few of the biggest myths that prevail about false teeth.

1. People With Dentures Have No Natural Teeth

Full dentures are used by people who have lost all their natural teeth. However, these are not the only kind of dentures that exist. Partial dentures are removable prosthetics that replace one or more missing teeth. Many denture wearers still have most of their own teeth—and it is often difficult or impossible to tell the difference between the real and false teeth simply by glancing at their smile.

2. Dentures Are Painful to Wear

Dentures should not be painful. When false teeth cause discomfort, dentists can adjust the fit to make them more comfortable to wear. If the pain results from the dentures slipping out of place, using a denture adhesive can help them to fit more securely in the mouth.

3. Dentures Are One Size Fits All

Dentures are custom-made to fit the mouth of the wearer. As a result, every set of dentures is unique. Over time, the shape of the wearer's mouth may change as a result of age and the teeth shifting position. Dentures can also be bent out of shape by rough handling, or deform if they are allowed to dry out. Dentists can carry out denture repairs and adjustment to ensure they continue to fit well.

4. People With Dentures Can Only Eat Soft Foods

Dentures are designed to bite and chew a wide range of foods, allowing the wearer to enjoy a varied and balanced diet. Dentists often recommend that people stick to soft foods when they try eating with their dentures for the first time, as the sensation of chewing with dentures can take a while to get used to. However, there is no need to have a restrictive diet over the long term.

5. When You Get Dentures, You Can Throw Out Your Toothbrush

Toothbrushes are a bathroom essential, even for people with full dentures. It is essential to keep dentures clean to reduce the growth of oral bacteria, which can cause gum disease. Dentists recommend gently scrubbing dentures with a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaning solution to remove traces of food and plaque. To keep them moist overnight, submerge dentures in water or a soaking solution, and then rinse them well in the morning before wearing.


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