How to care for dentures?

Proper care will keep your dentures looking clean, feeling comfortable, and lasting longer:

Daily Cleaning

Just like natural teeth, dentures must be cleaned daily. Plaque and food debris can accumulate on them. Remove your dentures and brush them with a denture brush or a very soft toothbrush. Use a mild denture cleanser or plain soap and water – not regular toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and scratch the denture surface. Gently brush all surfaces, including the side that sits against your gums. Rinse them well.

Handle with Care

Dentures can break if dropped. When cleaning, stand over a folded towel or a basin of water, so if they slip, they have a soft landing. Avoid bending the plastic or the clasps on partials.

Soak Overnight

Keep dentures moist when you’re not wearing them so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. Place them in a cup of clean water or a denture-soaking solution overnight. If your denture has metal parts (like a partial with metal clasps), using plain water (or water with a bit of dish soap) is better as some solutions could tarnish the metal. Always rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a cleaning solution (which can contain chemicals not intended to be ingested).

Clean Your Mouth Too

Even if you have no teeth, oral hygiene isn’t over. Every morning and night, gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft brush or washcloth. This removes plaque, stimulates circulation in your tissues, and helps prevent infections like thrush. If you have partial dentures, continue to brush and floss your remaining teeth thoroughly.

Use of Adhesives

If you choose to use a denture adhesive, use it sparingly and follow the product instructions. Adhesives can improve stability and confidence, especially for lower dentures or when eating tougher foods. However, if you find yourself needing gobs of adhesive to make a denture tolerable, that could indicate it’s not fitting right – see us for an adjustment or re-evaluation.

Regular Check-ups

Visit us at least annually (or as advised) to check your dentures and oral health. Your mouth can change over time (gums and bone can shrink, especially in the first year after extractions and then gradually over time). Dentures that used to fit well might become loose or start causing sores; if so, they may need a reline (adding material to the fitting surface to tighten the fit) or a remake after several years.

Avoid Hot Water

Do not use hot or boiling water to clean or soak dentures – it can warp the plastic. Lukewarm or cool water is best.

With diligent care, a set of dentures typically lasts 5-8 years before significant wear or changes might warrant replacement. Some last longer, but it’s good to have them evaluated regularly. Well-maintained dentures, along with healthy oral tissues, means you can continue to enjoy the benefits they provide.