Denture Care
DENTURE CARE GUIDE
We’ve put together some tips that will help you get the most out of your dentures, and a complimentary denture bath to help keep your dentures clean.
A daily denture care routine will help to minimise odour and stains, keep your dentures looking like new and help them last longer.
Insertion and removal
Your dentist will show you how to put in and take out your denture. Feel free to ask them questions. Make sure you are comfortable with putting them in and taking them out before you leave the clinic.
Remember, never use excessive force to get your dentures in or out.
Function
Your new denture may feel strange, even if you have worn dentures before. This is normal and happens because your mouth takes time to adapt.
When you first eat with your new denture, start with soft foods (e.g. lightly cooked vegetables).
Take small bites and chew slowly. If you have natural teeth, try to bite with them rather than the artificial ones. If possible, chew on both sides at the same time.
If you find the denture isn’t staying in well or food is getting caught under the plate, try Polident paste.
Overnight
You should remove your dentures before going to bed each night. This gives your mouth a chance to rest and will help stop you grinding your teeth while you sleep.
Maintenance
Food debris and plaque need to be cleaned from all denture surfaces daily. A quick rinse with water after every meal is essential. Clean your dentures using a soft toothbrush and mild soap and water or denture paste. Standard toothpaste is not recommended. Clean your dentures over a hand-basin half filled with water to prevent breakage if dropped.
At least once a week soak your denture in the denture bath with Sterident for one hour.
Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft toothbrush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
If your denture breaks or is damaged, stop wearing it straight away. Do not try to repair it, bend it or modify it. Call 9589-2685 for an appointment to fix it.
Regular maintenance is important to help prevent further issues or pain, so keep up your 6 monthly check and cleans at bcdental to make sure your whole mouth is healthy.
If you find that your denture has build up (tartar or calculus), soak it in white vinegar (1 part) and water (4 parts) in your denture bath. If you still can’t remove the build up, call us and make an appointment to have your denture repolished.
Mouth soreness
Your mouth may become a little sore under your new denture. If this happens, contact bcdental to arrange to have your denture adjusted.
If the soreness is severe it may help to remove the denture for at least part of the day. However, please wear the denture for a few hours before your appointment so we can work out where the adjustment is required.
Remember, do not adjust or try to repair your dentures.
Dentures should be well fitted and comfortable when you chew and your breath should be fresh. If you have any pain or problems with your mouth or dentures or if you need further information on denture cleaning and care contact us.