Denture care consists of good oral hygiene, cleaning your dentures, and visiting the dentist for routine checks and maintenance. Dentures are a common, inexpensive, and effective way to improve the look and function of a patient's mouth who has one or more missing teeth. While dentures can include a partial or full set of artificial teeth, they require extra steps beyond regular oral hygiene.
Denture care check-ups and guidance are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. We help patients with dentures ensure the long-term health of their remaining teeth, gums, and the rest of their mouths. Regular check-ups, along with other necessary dental procedures, are essential parts of effective denture care.
To get a check-up on your oral health or to get additional instructions on denture care, call (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment with our dentists.
Taking care of dentures
Daily care for full and removable partial dentures follows a different regimen than care for natural teeth. For instance, as part of your routine after eating, you should rinse your dentures to remove any food particles and bacteria.
At least once a day, preferably before going to bed, you should follow these steps to keep your dentures clean and in good shape:
- Safely remove dentures after eating. A University of Michigan study recommends taking them out over a towel or sink filled with water. Dropping dentures, even just a few inches above a hard surface, can cause them to crack or break.
- Rinse and brush dentures with soft bristles and no toothpaste. Run your dentures under a sink to remove plaque and food particles. It is best to use brushes and cleaners specifically designed for dentures. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquids are also acceptable cleaners. However, most household cleaners could damage dentures and are not advised. Never use toothpaste to clean dentures as it is too abrasive. After running your dentures under water, rinse and apply cleaner to the brush. Scrub your dentures gently, moving the brush’s bristles over every surface. Brushing too hard could alter the shape of the plastic and affect the metal band attachments.
- Put dentures in cool water or solution overnight. Dentures may only be placed in cool water as warm water can warp its shape. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentures must also stay moist at all times. Some dentures should only be placed in water as a solution may dull the metal attachments. If a solution is advised, there are several popular brands to choose: Efferdent®, Polident®, and Retainer Brite®. We can recommend whether to use a solution in your daily denture care.
- Once dentures are set aside, brush your teeth and gums with a soft-bristled brush. Caring for partial dentures still requires regular flossing and brushing of natural teeth. When caring for full or partial dentures, brushing your gums and tongue stimulates circulation; this is especially important to do after affixing your dentures in the morning. Make sure to massage and wash out your mouth with salt water regularly when dentures are removed.
- Thoroughly wash off denture solution before placing them back in the mouth. Dentures should be rinsed to avoid ingesting solution. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, swallowing solution can cause irritation, swelling, or trouble breathing.
If the dentures are not removable and stick to the patient's gums, then the dentist will recommend a different cleaning regimen. In many cases, caring for implant dentures will be the same as taking care of permanent teeth with brushing twice a day.
“In many cases, caring for implant dentures will be the same as taking care of permanent teeth with brushing twice a day.”
How a dentist can treat your denture needs
Even if you have lost all your teeth, it is essential to seek professional dental care regularly. A dentist can advise the right treatment and cleaning techniques for your dentures. Patients with dentures should seek care every six months unless a dentist recommends otherwise. Dentists can also look for signs of oral cancer, perform routine cleaning, and examine dentures for fit.
Over time, you may need to adjust or repair your dentures. After receiving dentures, follow-up appointments are typically made for adjustments. If your dentures have breaks, chips, cracks, or a loose tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately. Most repairs and adjustments can be made on the same day. However, complex maintenance might need to be sent to a repair specialist. Your dentures will typically last five to ten years before needing replacement, but complete replacements can be made earlier.
“If your dentures have breaks, chips, cracks, or a loose tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately.”
Cleaning process for dentures
Plaque, the cavity-causing bacteria, builds up on artificial teeth the same way they do on natural teeth. Bacteria cause damage to the gums and surrounding tissues and bone, which can lead to gum disease. Along with routine professional cleanings, patients must adhere to a regular cleaning routine in order to upkeep their dentures and maintain a healthy oral cavity.
To properly clean dentures, it is important to have a soft-bristled toothbrush, a denture cleaning solution, and a clean towel. A good overnight cleaning regimen includes removing and rinsing the dentures with warm water, gently brushing all surfaces with a soft toothbrush, and placing them in warm water or denture solution throughout the night. Rinse them once again before placing them back in the mouth. Do not keep them in hot water as this can cause them to lose their shape.
“Do not keep them in hot water as this can cause them to lose their shape.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Denture Care in Poway, CA
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Denture cleaning products
Many types of dentures benefit from being soaked in a mild solution, such as Efferdent®, Equate®, Polident®. However, the care instructions for different kinds of dentures vary. There are various cleaning kits that can be used to clean the dentures throughout the day and overnight. A mild soap may also be used as a solution base for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Patients will be given individualized instructions for cleaning products that correspond with their treatment as well as any allergies they may have. Consult with Oak Tree Dental to ensure that the solution fits well with the treatment plan. We may also recommend specific solutions that work best with each type of dentures.
“Patients will be given individualized instructions for cleaning products that correspond with their treatment as well as any allergies they may have.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What is the proper way to take care of my dentures?
Q. Can a dentist help ensure my dentures are in good condition?
Q. What is a good overnight cleaning routine?
Q. What denture cleaning products can I use?
People also ask
Q. What should I do if I have damaged my dentures?
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. How should new denture wearers change their eating practices?
Q. How do removable partial dentures work?
Q. How can I tell if my dentures need to be relined or rebased?
Frequently asked questions
Depending on the type of dentures a patient has, they may be able to sleep in them. However, it is usually suggested to remove dentures before going to sleep, even those who can wear them overnight. Use this time to soak them in a mild denture-soaking solution or water.
If the dentures feel loose or otherwise improperly fit, call us or visit the office for a checkup. One of our practitioners will be able to adjust them to ensure a correct fit properly. There are "do-it-yourself" adjustment kits on the market, but these can permanently damage dentures. A short follow-up can help solve the problem in a quick and efficient manner.
For the most part, patients can continue to eat food with dentures as they normally would with natural teeth. This can be slightly uncomfortable and feel strange at first. Using proper denture adhesive and ensuring they are fit properly by visiting a dentist can help.
The best way to clean dentures is with a soft brush and denture cleaning products. Avoid stiff brushes and other abrasive cleaners. Also, do not use whitening products or products with bleach on dentures. Only use cold or lukewarm water because hot or boiling water can warp dentures.
After the first visit, we advise each patient on how often they need check-ups depending on their case. Typically, every six months is the norm for all patients, including those with dentures. Regular visits help to maintain dentures and good oral health.
Denture terminology
A Poway team is ready to help with denture care
If you are interested in restoring your smile with a fully-functional set of teeth, give us a call at 858-748-2101. We will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and set you on the path to a better, brighter smile. We will customize the dentures to match the size of your mouth and find the right fit.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.