Proper denture care is important for maintaining a comfortable fit, good oral hygiene, and the appearance and function of your dentures. Whether you wear full or partial dentures, taking care of your dentures and the tissues underneath them can help keep your mouth healthy.

Why Is Denture Care Important?

Although dentures are not natural teeth, they still require regular cleaning and maintenance. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can accumulate on dentures and contribute to unpleasant odors, staining, irritation, and oral health problems.

Cleaning your dentures regularly and maintaining good oral hygiene can help keep your mouth comfortable and your dentures looking and functioning their best.

Clean Your Dentures Every Day

Dentures should be cleaned daily to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Remove your dentures and gently brush all surfaces using a soft denture brush or another appropriate soft-bristled brush.

Use a denture cleanser or mild soap recommended for dentures. Avoid using regular toothpaste unless specifically recommended by your dental professional, as some toothpastes can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface of your dentures.

Handle Your Dentures Carefully

Dentures can break if they are dropped. When cleaning your dentures, handle them over a folded towel or a sink filled with some water to help reduce the risk of damage if they slip from your hands.

Take your time when removing and inserting your dentures, especially if you are still getting used to wearing them.

Rinse Your Dentures After Eating

Rinsing your dentures with water after eating can help remove loose food particles and keep them cleaner throughout the day.

Whenever possible, remove your dentures before rinsing them so that you can clean all areas of the appliance.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Mouth

Denture care isn’t only about cleaning the dentures themselves. Your gums, tongue, palate, and any remaining natural teeth also need regular attention.

• Brush your natural teeth twice a day.
• Clean your gums gently with a soft toothbrush.
• Gently brush your tongue.
• Clean between any remaining natural teeth.
• Follow your dentist’s recommendations for cleaning around partial dentures.

Keeping your mouth clean can help reduce bacteria and maintain healthy oral tissues.

Remove Your Dentures at Night

Unless your dental professional has specifically advised otherwise, removing your dentures while you sleep gives the tissues underneath them an opportunity to rest.

Wearing dentures continuously can contribute to irritation and may increase the risk of certain oral infections.

Store Your Dentures Properly

When you are not wearing your dentures, keep them in a safe place where they will not become damaged.

Most dentures should be kept moist when they are not being worn so they do not dry out and change shape. Follow the storage instructions provided by your dental professional or the denture manufacturer.

Never use hot or boiling water to soak your dentures, as excessive heat can cause them to warp.

Be Careful With Denture Cleaning Products

Not every household cleaning product is suitable for dentures. Avoid using bleach, abrasive cleaners, or other harsh chemicals unless specifically recommended by your dental professional.

Some cleaning products can damage the material, alter the colour, or affect the fit of your dentures.

Cleaning Partial Dentures

Partial dentures require special attention because they are used alongside your natural teeth.

Clean the denture thoroughly each day and pay particular attention to the areas around clasps and other components that contact your natural teeth.

Continue brushing and cleaning your natural teeth carefully to help prevent cavities and gum disease.

Getting Used to New Dentures

It can take some time to become comfortable wearing new dentures. You may initially notice increased saliva production, minor soreness, or changes in the way you speak.

These changes often improve as your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures. If discomfort persists or your dentures repeatedly rub or irritate your gums, contact your dental team.

Eating With Dentures

Learning to eat comfortably with new dentures may take some practice.

• Start with softer foods while you become accustomed to your dentures.
• Cut food into smaller pieces.
• Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth when possible.
• Avoid particularly hard or sticky foods until you are comfortable with your dentures.
• Gradually introduce a wider variety of foods as you become more confident.

Protect Your Dentures From Damage

Although dentures are designed to be durable, they can still crack, break, or become damaged.

Do not attempt to adjust, bend, or repair your dentures yourself. Home repairs can permanently damage the appliance or affect its fit.

If your dentures are damaged, bring them to your dental professional for evaluation.

Do Dentures Need to Be Replaced?

Even with good care, dentures do not last forever. Changes to your gums and jawbone over time can affect the way your dentures fit.

Signs that your dentures may need adjustment or replacement can include:

• Loose or slipping dentures
• Persistent sore spots
• Difficulty chewing
• Changes in your bite
• Cracks or damaged components
• Changes in the appearance of the dentures

Your dental professional can assess the condition and fit of your dentures and determine whether an adjustment, repair, reline, or replacement may be appropriate.

Regular Dental Visits Are Still Important

Wearing dentures does not mean you no longer need regular dental examinations.

Your dental team can check your gums, oral tissues, remaining natural teeth, and the fit and condition of your dentures. Regular visits also provide an opportunity to identify changes in your mouth that may need attention.

Keep Your Dentures and Mouth Healthy

Daily cleaning, proper storage, careful handling, and regular dental visits can help keep your dentures comfortable and functional.

If your dentures no longer fit comfortably, cause persistent irritation, or have become damaged, contact Scarborough Village Dental Care so your dentures and oral health can be evaluated.