Many people today wear dentures, a prosthetic that replaces teeth lost due to oral health problems or for other reasons. Some denture patients do not understand the special care required for dentures and may believe some myths about dentures that can actually lead to health problems. Here are five common myths about dentures and why believing them can damage your health.
Loose Dentures are Just Annoying
Loose dentures are more than just an inconvenient and annoying problem. Normal wear loosens dentures over time, and ill fitting dentures can rub against your gums and the insides of your mouth. Over time this can cause painful sores. Even worse, these sores can become infected. Oral infections can spread to other parts of your body, including your brain.
If your dentures begin to feel loose, see your dental care professional immediately to have them adjusted or replaced.
My Dentist Doesn't Need to Know My Medications
Medications cause changes all over the body, not just the part of the body the medication is intended to treat. Both over the counter and prescription medications can lead to problems for patients who wear dentures. For example, many medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect. This decrease in saliva can help harmful bacteria grow and thrive.
You should be sure you tell your dentist about any medications you are taking, whether they are over the counter or prescribed to you by a doctor.
Cleaning My Dentures at Home is Enough
You probably know the value of brushing your dentures each night and allowing them to soak in a cleaning solution. This daily routine is important, but it is not enough to keep your dentures in top condition.
Dentures are made of a porous material that can easily trap bacteria and germs. Daily cleaning will only go so far to remove these illness causing substances. Bad breath is just one minor result of bacteria becoming trapped in dentures and growing out of control.
It is important that you see your dental health professional on a regular basis to have your dentures checked for any damage or changes and to be thoroughly cleaned by an expert.
Sore Gums Are Just Part of Wearing Dentures
Your mouth may be a bit sore when you first begin wearing dentures because it can take time to adjust. However if you are experiencing chronic soreness, you may be experiencing more than just typical denture problems.
Stomatitis, also known as thrush, is a disease that can occur when the yeast Candida albicans builds up in your mouth. This yeast can easily become trapped in your dentures and will grow there. Stomatitis can cause inflamed gums and painful sores on the roof of your mouth.
Tell your dental professional if your mouth and gums become red or sore. Your dentures may be to blame. Regular cleanings and wearing dentures that fit correctly are two ways you can help avoid this potentially painful condition.
Dentures Cause Oral Cancer
This is a myth that has been widely accepted as true by the public. This is based on the false belief that irritation caused by poorly fitting dentures can become cancer. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that there is absolutely no link between wearing dentures and developing oral cancer.
The only way you would have a hire risk of oral cancer because of your dentures is if you allow tobacco to get caught under your dentures. Either don't use tobacco or take extra care in your denture cleaning routine to prevent this possibility.
If you wear dentures, you do have to be aware of certain complications. Most of these problems can be prevented or greatly reduced by cleaning dentures effectively and seeing a professional denture clinic on a regular basis.
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