Dangers of Dentures That Dry Out, But Are Still Used
Posted on 1/20/2019 by Dr. Frank Sallustio
Dentures need to be kept moist when they're not being worn to prevent them from drying out, becoming brittle and losing their shape. You should be aware that if you continue to wear dentures that have dried out, not only will it be uncomfortable, but it is bad for your oral health.
What Happens to Dentures When They Dry Out?
Dentures appear to be made from a rigid, acrylic material, however, they're actually made out of a polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA material that has water in the base. This prevents the PMMA from swelling or becoming deformed from absorbing water when you begin to wear them.
When dentures are dry, they warp and do not fit well in your mouth. This can cause a myriad of problems for your oral health. Sores on your gums and in your mouth can not only be uncomfortable, but they can become infected. Additionally, dry dentures that don't fit well can lead to bone loss in the jaw. When the jaw bone is not supported by teeth, (or dentures that fit correctly) the bone begins to deteriorate.
If you do accidentally leave them out of water for a few hours, you can soak them in water for an hour or so to help them moisten up again. If they've been stored out of water for a long time, and you haven't been wearing them, a 24 hour soak may moisten them up. Dentures that have dried out to the point or warping the shape will need to be examined by our dentist to determine if they can be restored.
If you have any questions regarding your dentures, please don't hesitate to give our office a call. Your smile is our top priority and we look forward to helping you maintain a beautiful smile for years to come!
Frank Sallustio, DDS, 13802 West Camino Del Sol, Sun City West, AZ, 85375-4486 - Key Phrases: Prosthodontist Sun City West AZ :
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(623) 738-2639 : www.drsallustio.com : 7/20/2019
Dentures need to be kept moist when they're not being worn to prevent them from drying out, becoming brittle and losing their shape. You should be aware that if you continue to wear dentures that have dried out, not only will it be uncomfortable, but it is bad for your oral health.
