One of the most common questions asked by those who are getting dentures for the first time is whether the dentures can develop cavities. This question makes sense, given that dentures and teeth look, feel, and operate in similar ways.
The good news is that you need not fear getting tooth decay in your new dentures. Although they may look like your natural teeth, they are constructed from a material that does not decay.
However, this certainly does not mean that you can just dispense with engaging in regular oral hygiene practices: although you cannot get a cavity in your dentures, dentures that have not been properly cleaned on a regular basis can lead to all sorts of health issues for you.
The Problem with Dirty Dentures
So, if your dentures cannot get cavities, what is the big deal with keeping them clean? Remember that, while your “teeth” may no longer be affected by germs, the rest of your mouth certainly is. Dentures provide lots of little spaces where bacteria can grow and thrive. If they are not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, they will increase the levels of bacteria in your mouth.
These elevated levels of bacteria will cause you problems. Many people who use dentures and fail to clean them find that they develop issues such as gum disease and even yeast infections in the oral cavity. In addition, with the higher bacterial levels in and around the dentures, you can be susceptible to breathing in the nasty bugs and developing life-threatening conditions in your lungs.
For Your Health, Clean Your Dentures
The good news is that you can fight back. Make it a point to clean your dentures each night, and consider soaking them in a disinfectant for at least 10 minutes when you’re done using them for the day. Doing this will help keep you healthy, and prevent many of the above issues from plaguing you.
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