Wearing dentures can make you feel more confident in your smile, improve your ability to chew, and help you regain a sense of normalcy in your life. If you smoke, you need to be aware of how this habit may impact your experience with your dentures. Whether you’re new to using dentures in Jacksonville or you’ve been using dentures for years, this blog is to outline how smoking can create problems for you and what you can do about it.
1. Effects of Smoking on Dentures
Smoking is harmful to the body, but it is not only your lungs and heart that must be considered; smoking also negatively affects your mouth. Below, we will summarize some issues that smokers experience with dentures:
- Staining and discoloration
Cigarette smoke is full of tar and nicotine, which can lead to yellow or brown staining when it comes to dentures and partials. Dentures do not stain the same as natural teeth and often stain faster, and cleaning the stained surface plaque may also be much harder.
- Reduced saliva (Xerostomia)
Smoking causes a reduction in saliva production. Saliva serves many purposes in the mouth; it cleans and helps to hold dentures in place. Without saliva, the mouth may tend to be drier and susceptible to oral sores and irritation, as well as bad breath.
- Bad breath and bad taste
Smoke tends to stick to dentures, which leads to bad smells and bad tastes, making for bad breath that can be present even after cleaning.
Can Smoking Change How Your Dentures Fit?
Yes, it can. The smoking impact on denture fit is often overlooked but very real. Smoking causes inflammation in the gums and can lead to bone loss in the jaw. This bone loss can change the shape of your gums, causing your dentures to loosen or shift.
Some signs that smoking may be affecting your denture fit include:
- Clicking sounds while talking or chewing
- Frequent sore spots or irritation
- Needing to use more adhesive than usual
- Dentures slipping out of place when you speak.
When dentures don’t fit well, they can cause discomfort and may even lead to infections or mouth sores.
How Does Smoking Affect Oral Health for Denture Wearers?
The effects of smoking on dentures go beyond fit and appearance. Smoking increases your risk of oral infections, gum disease, and even oral cancer. If you wear dentures, this risk can double since bacteria can hide under the denture surface or on your gums if not cleaned properly.
Problems you might experience include:
- Infections such as thrush (a fungal infection)
- Slower healing from any sores or dental work
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Changes in taste or dry, irritated tissue
What Are Some Oral Hygiene Tips for Denture Smokers?
Taking care of your dentures is essential, especially if you smoke. Follow these oral hygiene tips for denture smokers to protect your smile:
- Clean your dentures daily—Use a soft brush and a denture cleaner (not toothpaste—it’s too abrasive). Rinse them after every meal if possible.
- Soak them overnight—Let your dentures rest in a cleaning solution or plain water overnight to kill bacteria and keep them from drying out.
- Brush your gums and tongue—Even if you have no natural teeth, clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily to remove bacteria.
- Stay hydrated—Drink plenty of water to combat dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum may also help stimulate saliva.
- Visit a dentist regularly—Dentures need checkups, too. Regular visits help ensure your dentures fit well and your mouth stays healthy. Schedule an appointment with a dentist near you to keep your smile comfortable and secure.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you notice your dentures are uncomfortable, loose, or have developed a strange odor or color, it’s time to get them checked. Smoking can hide early signs of mouth problems, so don’t wait until things get worse.
Ready for a Better Denture Experience?
At Phelan & Bell Family Dentistry, we’re here to support your oral health journey, whether you’re a longtime smoker or simply want to keep your dentures in great shape. Our friendly team will help you keep your dentures clean, comfortable, and long-lasting.
Don’t let smoking take control of your smile. Schedule your visit with Phelan & Bell Family Dentistry today and take the first step toward better denture care. Call us or book online now, because your smile deserves to shine!
FAQS:
- Can I smoke while wearing my dentures?
It’s not recommended. Smoking while wearing dentures can increase staining, cause dryness in your mouth, and lead to faster wear. Removing them before smoking may reduce some effects, but quitting is the best option for your oral health. - How often should I clean my dentures if I smoke?
If you smoke, it’s best to clean your dentures at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Rinse them after meals and soak them overnight to help remove smoke-related buildup and bacteria. - Will my dentures need to be replaced sooner if I smoke?
Possibly. Smoking can affect your gum and bone health, which may lead to poor denture fit over time. It can also cause faster discoloration. Regular dental checkups can help catch these changes early and extend the life of your dentures.
