Is Sugar Harmful for Denture Wearers?
You may have heard that eating too much sugar is bad for your overall health and can cause tooth decay. However, the sugar itself does not directly cause cavities. It’s the bacteria in your mouth that feed on the sugary foods and beverages you consume, that actually damage your teeth.
These bacteria produce acids that can dissolve away the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Left untreated, cavities eventually result in tooth sensitivity and pain. If warning signs are ignored, tooth loss can occur. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups will help prevent dental problems before they cause significant damage.
Regular check-ups and home care are particularly important for partial denture wearers. Partial dentures rely on your own natural teeth for security and stability. If your natural teeth are allowed to decay then the teeth can no longer support your partial dentures effectively, making it useless. Think of the money you spent on that partial. Do you really want it to go to waste by allowing your natural teeth to decay?
Denture Care While Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
Proper denture care is essential for your overall dental health. Dental experts discourage consuming sugary foods and beverages, as they can cause harm to your oral health. However, this does not mean that you need to avoid sugar completely.
Here are a few tips that will help you take proper care of your teeth and dentures:
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Avoid Hard and Sticky Candies
If you chew sticky or hard candies, your denture may loosen allowing smaller pieces to become stuck between the gums and the denture. This may cause severe irritation and pain. Avoid these candies and opt for softer, more denture-friendly treats like applesauce, frozen yogurt, cake, and fruit smoothies.
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Eat More Vegetables and Fruits
The sugar that is naturally found in fruits and vegetables are healthier and much better for your overall health than the added sugars found in processed foods. Include more fibrous fruits and vegetables in your diet to satisfy your sweet tooth. Eating these will increase the flow of saliva in your mouth while also offering healthy vitamins and minerals.
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Eat Sweets with a Meal
If you want to eat sweets, do it with a meal. Your saliva production increases when you eat, which can help to diminish the sugar that becomes stuck to your dentures and your teeth. Drinking a glass of water after a sweet snack also helps to reduce the sugar concentration and rinse away sticky substances.
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Use a Denture Cleaner
Sugars in foods and drinks can interact with the bacteria in your mouth to promote plaque buildup, which can become calcified on dentures. Cleaning your dentures daily with a denture cleaner will reduce plaque buildup and ensure that your mouth and dentures are clean after eating sweets.
You can enjoy sugary foods and beverages once in a while, even if you wear full dentures or partial dentures. Just be careful about the amount of sweets you consume and when you eat them. Along with a healthy diet, practice good oral habits such as brushing and flossing your natural teeth after meals and before bedtime. Clean your dentures daily, and attend regular dental check-ups to keep your mouth healthy.
