Denture Care & Hygiene

Living with dentures is different from when you had your natural teeth. So naturally, there will be some important differences in caring for dentures versus natural teeth. For instance, dentures require more thorough and frequent cleaning using the right tools and agents, like brushing and soaking in denture cleaner, rather than just toothpaste and brushing.

Here are some other factors to keep in mind when planning your denture care routine:

Storage – Dentures must be removed and properly stored overnight to allow gums to rest and prevent warping. Natural teeth remain in place.
Durability – Dentures can chip or break more easily than natural teeth if dropped or handled roughly.
Oral hygiene – Brushing and flossing natural teeth is still critical for gum health even with dentures. Denture wearers must also keep gums and palate clean.

Keep in mind that your dentures may require periodic relining or adjusting by a dentist to maintain proper fit as the mouth changes, plus they typically need replacing every 5-7 years.

Here are some care tips for new denture wearers:

Clean dentures twice daily using a soft toothbrush and liquid denture cleanser. Avoid abrasive toothpastes. Soak and brush dentures over a filled sink of water to avoid breakage if dropped.
Rinse dentures thoroughly before placing back in your mouth, especially after cleaning. Residual cleanser can irritate your gums.
Remove and clean dentures at night. This allows your gums to rest and promotes oral health.
Use denture adhesive sparingly as excessive use can damage dentures and gums. Apply thin, even layer to enhance retention.
Brush your gums, tongue and palate daily with a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate tissue. This keeps tissues healthy.
Handle dentures carefully by their base and rinse under cool water if dropped to avoid chipping. Report any damage like cracks or loose teeth to your dentist.
Store dentures in cool water or a denture cleansing solution overnight to keep them from warping. Never use hot water.
See your dentist regularly for checkups and report any oral irritation, sore spots, or changes in fit so dentures can be adjusted as needed.

It may take some practice at first, but caring properly for your dentures will help them last and keep your mouth healthy.