Proper care of your dentures is essential not only for maintaining their function and appearance but also for protecting the health of your mouth and gums.
Please follow the guidelines below to get the most out of your dentures:
- Rinse after every meal
Always rinse your dentures with cold water after eating. Small food particles can easily get trapped under the denture, which may cause irritation, discomfort, bad breath, or even infections. Rinsing helps keep your mouth clean and your dentures secure. Mouthwash can also be used. - Give your mouth a break
It’s important to remove your dentures for at least 6–8 hours every day, ideally while sleeping. This resting period allows blood flow to return to the gum tissues, which helps prevent soreness and reduces the risk of long-term bone loss (called bone resorption). If dentures are not removed daily, infections can develop such as Candida albicans (fungal infection). Bacterial lung infections can also develop and lead to further serious illnesses. Letting your tissues “breathe” keeps them healthy and promotes long-term comfort with your dentures. - Watch for sore spots
If you notice any irritation, soreness, or ulcers in your mouth, especially when adjusting to new dentures, contact us. Persistent sore spots can lead to infections or difficulty eating and speaking. These issues are usually easy to fix if addressed early. - Clean dentures and mouth daily
Cleaning your dentures at least once per day is crucial for removing plaque and preventing bad odours, staining, and oral infections.
Recommended Products: Use a specialised denture cleaning paste like Steradent, available at most supermarkets and pharmacies.
Alternative Option: Mild dishwashing liquid (not toothpaste, as it’s too abrasive) can be used with a soft denture brush. Gentle brush the inside and outside surfaces of your denture. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning. We recommend brushing the dentures over a wash-hand basin of half-filled water to avoid breakages if they are dropped. Dentures are delicate and break easily.
Do Not Use: Bleach, hot water, or harsh household cleaners, as these can damage your dentures.
Soaking: Soak dentures overnight in a cold-water solution. Denture cleaning tablets may be used to help disinfect them and remove odour-causing bacteria.
Smoking/Medication/food & drink types/poor oral hygiene: can all contribute to denture material discolouration.
Mouth rinse: ensure rinsing of your mouth daily using a fluoride mouthwash
Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner (Optional):
For a deeper clean, you may use an ultrasonic denture cleaner. These devices use sound waves to help loosen tough stains and plaque that regular brushing may miss. While not essential, they can greatly improve cleanliness - Don’t forget your gums and tongue:
Your oral hygiene matters just as much as denture care. Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth daily with a soft toothbrush. This keeps your mouth fresh, reduces bacteria, and helps prevent gum disease and bad breath. - Regular prosthetist checkups:
Visit your prosthetist every 12 months for a denture check and clean. Over time, your gums and jawbone can change shape, which may affect the fit of your dentures. Denture tooth wear over time is normal and ideally dentures should be changed every 5/6 years. Due to gum tissue resorption/change over time, dentures should be relined every 2 years. Routine visits help ensure your dentures remain comfortable and function.