Denture Care

How do I care for my dentures?

• Your dentist is qualified to evaluate your oral health needs and adjust your denture or partial. Please do not attempt denture adjustments yourself at home.
• All types of Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with water and a soft nylon denture brush with round-ended bristles to remove plaque and debris.
• Avoid cleaning dentures with toothpaste, which are abrasive and will scratch your denture. Use products specially made to clean dentures, often by soaking them in solution.
• Do not use bleach, mouthwashes, or other products not intended for cleaning dentures.
• Inspect your denture regularly for cracks in the acrylic and worn teeth.
• Worn denture teeth will be less effective for chewing and make you look older. Worn teeth should be replaced with new teeth or with a new denture.
• Discuss all your current medications with your dental professional. Inadequate saliva can make a denture uncomfortable.
• Be sure to visit your dentist regularly as they check the health of your gum and bone tissues and any remaining natural teeth or implants.
• Loose dentures can cause friction and uneven pressure on the gum tissues and bones, accelerating bone loss. If you need to use a large amount of denture adhesive, it may be time to have the dentures relined with new plastic to improve their fit.
• Dentures should be removed at night to reduce stress to any remaining teeth and the jaw bone. This also allows the gum tissues to stay healthier.
• The gum tissue in your mouth where teeth are missing should be brushed gently with a soft brush daily to remove any plaque and debris.
• When not in use, place dentures in water or fresh denture cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.
• Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for new dentures every 5 years.