CONSUMING too much sugar poses a significant risk to our oral health.

Our mouths are full of bacteria, many of which are necessary for a healthy environment, but bacteria love sugar too.

They feed on it and use the energy to create acids that cause many oral health Issues.

PARTIAL DENTURES

If you’re a partial denture user (meaning you still have some of your natural teeth), your dentures rely on the support provided by your remaining teeth.

Consuming too much sugar or failing to maintain good oral hygiene habits can compromise your remaining teeth — which means more extractions.

Be sure to give your natural teeth a proper cleaning at least twice a day or more!

Choosing the correct type of partial denture will not only protect your natural remaining teeth, but will help a great deal with oral hygiene.

FULL DENTURES and DENTURES OVER IMPLANTS

If you’ve had all your teeth extracted and currently have full dentures or dentures over implants, it’s still important to give your dentures and gums a thorough cleaning every day.

Although all the natural teeth may be gone, the bacteria are not.

Dentures are porous, meaning they contain thousands of tiny spaces — perfect places for bacteria to hide.

Some denture users experience bad breath because of improper cleaning.

Severe cases result in infections in the gums and that causes inflammation, which accelerates the shrinking of the jawbone.

Shrinkage in the jaw is a completely natural and expected outcome of tooth loss.

However, it can be slowed down with proper oral hygiene.

A few good habits can significantly increase the life of your dentures and make the overall experience much more comfortable.

REDUCING SUGAR AND GOOD ORAL HYGIENE HABITS

You shouldn’t feel guilty for indulging in sweets occasionally.

However, choosing your treats wisely can make all the difference.

Try to avoid hard or sticky candies.

These treats tend to get lodged in the denture easily and can be difficult to clean.

Clean your dentures at least twice a day, gently brushing your teeth and gums with a soft, bristled toothbrush.

Warm salty water is also a great natural rinse that reduces bacteria and protects the gum from disease, the more you clean, the less risk of bacterial build-ups and oral health complications.

Contact Harbour Dental for all your denture needs, Harbour Dental offers free consultations, free of obligation.

For more information phone 0407 140 447 or drop into 109 West St.