It is really important that if you wear a denture, that you take proper care of it…. both for the good of your mouth AND your denture. We’ve written this piece for patients who wear dentures. Some useful tricks and tips for you all.
Handle your dentures with great care.
As dentists, we replace many sets of dentures because people have let their existing dentures drop on the ground or into an empty sink. To avoid accidentally dropping them, stand over a folded towel or a full sink of water when handling dentures.
Daily brushing and rinsing of your dentures is essential.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing also helps prevent the build-up of stains on your dentures. Use a soft tufted brush, specifically designed for cleaning dentures (available from our clinic). Avoid using a hard-bristled brush as it will damage or prematurely wear the denture. Gently brush all surfaces of the denture taking care not to damage the plastic or bend any clasps. If possible, it is a good idea to rinse your dentures after every meal.
Clean with a denture cleaner.
Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used for cleaning dentures. Avoid cleaning with household cleansers or toothpaste as they may be too abrasive. Avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink part (acrylic) of the denture.
When you are not wearing your denture:
Don’t leave them dry! Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they don’t dry out and ‘warp’ or lose their shape. Make sure you don’t place your denture in hot water, as it will cause them to warp. When not worn, plastic dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. However, if your denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution. If you pop into us we would be happy to advise you on the best way to care for your particular denture.
Can I Adjust or Repair my Dentures?
It is quite normal to return once or twice to the clinic soon after you receive your new denture so that we can make any necessary adjustments for you. Never attempt to adjust your denture yourself. Never bend any metal parts yourself; doing so can weaken the metal structure. “Do-it-yourself” repair kits can permanently damage your dentures and over-the-counter glues may contain harmful chemicals.
Dentures that don’t fit properly can cause irritation and sores on your gums and soft tissues and can put excessive pressure on existing teeth causing great discomfort. Be sure to contact your dentist if your denture cracks or chips or if denture teeth become loose. We can often repair the denture here in the clinic on the same day. For more complex repairs, we may need to send your denture to our dental technician to fix.
Will My Dentures Need to Be Replaced?
With time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear, or if your dentures become loose. To reline or rebase a denture, we refits the denture base or makes a new denture base and reuse the existing teeth. Generally, full dentures should last for 5 to 7 years before a replacement may be necessary.
How Should I Care for My Mouth and Gums if I Have Dentures?
Even with full dentures, it is important to brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-tufted brush every morning before you put in your dentures. Cleaning removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before you brush your natural teeth. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salty water will help clean your gums. Eat a balanced diet so that proper nutrition and a healthy mouth can be maintained.
How Often Should I See the Dentist if I Have Dentures?
If you have dentures, we recommend a visit approximately every 6 months. Regular dental checkups are important so that your denture and mouth can be examined for proper denture fit, to screen for signs of oral diseases including cancer, and to have your teeth cleaned.
