When you first get your dentures
Once you have had your new dentures fitted it is not unusual to experience irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. If irritation or soreness persists, please phone the practice to make an appointment to have your dentures adjusted.
The dentures may feel bulky and even loose while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place. Speaking and eating with new dentures may be difficult at first, however, with practise, you should find that you are able to speak and eat normally in no time.
A new denture following tooth/root extractions should be worn continuously for the first 24 hours.
How do I take care of my dentures?
To clean your dentures you must brush and rinse them every day. Use a medium bristle, small headed toothbrush. You should use a non-perfumed soap or denture paste; you should avoid using toothpaste as it would be too abrasive for your denture. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Make sure you brush all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface that fits against your gums.
You can use a denture cleaner but we recommend that you do not soak your denture in the solution for any longer than the manufacturers recommended time, as this may cause discoloration to your denture.
Removing your dentures at night
We recommend you take your dentures out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. This helps avoid any fungal infections. When you remove your dentures at night or any time during the day we suggest you soak them in plain water to prevent them drying out, cracking and losing their shape.
How should I care for my mouth and gums if I have dentures?
When you wear dentures it is important to brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft bristled brush every day. This removes any plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit next to the denture as this can become a plaque trap and can increase the risk of tooth decay. You can rinse your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water to help clean the gums.
How often should I see my dentist?
Regular dental check-ups are very important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits allow your dentist to check the soft parts of your mouth, including your tongue and cheeks. These examinations are important so that the dental team can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages
