Complete Denture Care: Tips for Maintaining Your Dentures

Having complete dentures can be a fantastic way to restore your smile and confidence if you’ve lost all your natural teeth. They help you eat, speak, and look your best. But just like natural teeth, dentures need proper care to stay clean, comfortable, and last a long time.

This blog post is all about complete denture care. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from daily cleaning to when to see your dentist. Think of it as your easy guide to keeping your dentures in tip-top shape!

What Are Complete Dentures?

First things first, what exactly are complete dentures? Well, they’re removable dental appliances that replace all the teeth in either your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They’re usually made from acrylic plastic, and sometimes include metal for extra strength.

The part that looks like your gums is often pink-coloured to blend in naturally, while the teeth are made to look like real ones. They sit snugly on your gums and are custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly. This custom fit is super important for comfort and function.

Why Proper Denture Care is Important

You might be thinking, “They’re not real teeth, so why bother with all the fuss?” Good question! But proper denture care is actually incredibly important for a few big reasons:

  • Keeps them Clean and Hygienic: Just like your natural teeth, dentures can collect food particles, bacteria, and plaque. If you don’t clean them, these can build up and lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and even infections in your mouth. Yuck!
  • Protects Your Gums and Mouth: Your gums underneath the dentures still need care. Unclean dentures can cause sore spots, inflammation, and even fungal infections (like thrush) in your mouth. Looking after your dentures helps keep your whole mouth healthy.
  • Extends the Life of Your Dentures: Dentures are an investment. Regular and correct cleaning prevents staining, keeps the material strong, and stops it from getting scratched or damaged. This means they’ll last longer and save you money in the long run.
  • Maintains Your Appearance and Confidence: Clean, well-fitting dentures look natural and help you feel good about your smile. Stained or poorly cared-for dentures can affect your appearance and make you feel less confident.
  • Helps You Eat and Speak Better: When your dentures are clean and well-maintained, they fit better and are more comfortable. This makes eating your favourite foods and speaking clearly much easier.

So, as you can see, denture maintenance tips aren’t just about the dentures themselves, but about your overall oral health and quality of life.

Daily Cleaning and Maintenance of Dentures

This is where the rubber meets the road! Caring for dentures on a daily basis is pretty straightforward once you get into a routine.

Here’s what you should do every single day:

  1. Rinse After Eating: Just like you’d rinse your mouth after a meal with natural teeth, it’s a good idea to remove your dentures and rinse them under cool, running water after eating. This helps to get rid of loose food particles and debris.
  2. Brush Your Dentures Daily: This is the most important step. You need to brush your dentures at least once a day, and ideally after every meal.Use a Soft-Bristled Brush: Don’t use your regular toothbrush! It can be too harsh and scratch the denture surface. Look for a special denture brush (they have a specific shape for dentures) or a very soft-bristled toothbrush.
  3. Use Denture Cleaner, Not Toothpaste: Regular toothpaste is too abrasive for dentures. It can scratch the surface, creating tiny grooves where bacteria can hide. Instead, use a non-abrasive denture cleaner, mild hand soap, or even dishwashing liquid.
  4. How to Brush: Hold your denture firmly over a basin filled with water (more on this below!). Apply the denture cleaner and gently brush all surfaces of the denture – the pink base, the teeth, and the inner surface that touches your gums. Be thorough, but gentle!
  5. Clean Your Mouth Too! Remember, it’s not just about the dentures. Your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth (palate) still need attention.After removing your dentures, gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush or clean gauze. This helps remove plaque, stimulates blood circulation, and keeps your mouth fresh.
  6. You can also rinse your mouth with a mild mouthwash, but check with your dentist, like dentist Mt Eliza, if you’re unsure.

How to Remove and Handle Your Dentures

Handling your dentures correctly is crucial to preventing accidental damage. They can break if dropped!

Here are some tips:

  • Always remove them over a soft surface: When taking your dentures out or cleaning them, always do it over a basin filled with water or a folded towel. This way, if they slip from your hands, they won’t break on a hard surface like a tiled floor.
  • Be gentle: Dentures are strong, but they can still break if twisted or bent forcefully. Handle them with care.
  • To remove upper dentures: Place your thumbs against your front teeth and push upwards and outwards towards your nose.
  • To remove lower dentures: Place your fingers on your front teeth and gently lift upwards and rock them slightly.
  • Don’t use sharp objects: Never use anything sharp or pointed to try to clean your dentures or remove food. This can scratch or damage them.

Storage and Protection of Dentures

Cleaning and storing dentures properly when you’re not wearing them is just as important as daily brushing.

  • Keep them Moist: Dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. If they dry out, they can become brittle and warp.
  • Store in Water or a Denture Soaking Solution:At night, or whenever you take them out for an extended period, place your dentures in a container filled with plain water or a specialised denture soaking solution (like a denture tablet dissolved in water).
  • Make sure the dentures are fully submerged.
  • Always follow the instructions on denture soaking solutions. Some are only for a few minutes, while others are for overnight. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
  • Don’t Sleep with Your Dentures In (Usually): Most dentists recommend taking your dentures out at night. This gives your gums a chance to rest and recover, and allows saliva to clean your mouth naturally. It also reduces the risk of infections. Your dentist will advise you on what’s best for your specific situation.
  • Keep Away from Pets and Children: Pets (especially dogs!) love to chew on dentures, and small children might play with them. Always store your dentures in a safe place where they won’t be damaged or lost.

Common Problems with Dentures and How to Solve Them

Even with the best complete denture care, you might run into a few common issues. Don’t worry, many of them have simple solutions or require a quick visit to your dentist.

  • Sore Spots: If your dentures are causing sore spots or pressure points on your gums, they might need an adjustment. Don’t try to adjust them yourself! See your dentist.
  • Loose Dentures: Over time, your gums and jawbone naturally change shape. This can cause your dentures to become loose. Loose dentures can make it hard to eat and speak, and can be irritating. Your dentist can reline them (add material to the base to improve the fit) or even recommend a new set if they’re very old.
  • Difficulty Eating or Speaking: This can often be a sign of loose dentures or if you’re just getting used to them. Practice reading aloud and start with soft foods cut into small pieces. If the problem persists, talk to your dentist.
  • Bad Breath: This is often a sign of poor cleaning. Make sure you’re brushing your dentures daily and cleaning your mouth too. If it continues, see your dentist – it could be an infection.
  • Stains: Regular cleaning should prevent most stains. For stubborn stains, a denture soaking solution can help, but always follow instructions. Avoid things that heavily stain, like excessive coffee, tea, or red wine.
  • Broken Dentures: If your dentures crack or break, do NOT try to glue them back together yourself! This can make them unusable. Keep all the pieces and contact your dentist immediately for repair.

When to Visit Your Dentist for Denture Adjustments

Even with excellent oral health and denture care at home, regular check-ups with your dentist are vital. Think of them as your denture mechanic!

You should see your dentist:

  • For Regular Check-ups: Even if everything feels fine, it’s generally recommended to see your dentist at least once a year. They will check the fit of your dentures, examine your gums and mouth for any issues (like sore spots, infections, or changes in your jawbone), and clean your dentures professionally.
  • If Your Dentures Feel Loose: As mentioned, your mouth changes over time. Loose dentures need to be adjusted or relined to ensure they fit properly and don’t cause discomfort.
  • If You Have Sore Spots or Pain: Don’t suffer in silence! Persistent sore spots mean your dentures aren’t fitting correctly and need attention.
  • If Your Dentures Are Broken or Chipped: Never attempt DIY repairs. Your dentist can fix them properly or advise if new ones are needed.
  • If You Have Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: This could indicate a fitting issue.
  • If You Notice Any Changes in Your Mouth: This includes unusual lumps, bumps, or colour changes in your gums or elsewhere. Your dentist can check these out.

What to Expect During a Denture Fitting

If you’re getting new dentures or having a significant adjustment, you might wonder what to expect. The process is usually spread over a few appointments to ensure the best fit.

  • Impressions: The dentist will take detailed moulds (impressions) of your mouth and gums. This is crucial for making dentures that fit perfectly.
  • Bite Registration: They’ll determine how your upper and lower jaws come together to ensure your bite is correct.
  • Try-in Appointments: You’ll have “try-in” appointments where you’ll get to see the wax models of your dentures. This is your chance to give feedback on how they look, how your bite feels, and if you have any concerns. Don’t be shy – this is important for your final satisfaction!
  • Final Delivery: Once the dentures are made, you’ll receive them. The dentist will make any final small adjustments to ensure comfort and a good fit.
  • Adjustment Period: Remember, getting used to new dentures takes time. Your mouth needs to adapt. You might experience some initial soreness, changes in speech, and difficulty with certain foods. This is normal. Your dentist will usually schedule follow-up appointments to make further adjustments as you get used to them. Be patient with yourself!

Conclusion

Looking after your complete dentures is an ongoing process, but it’s not complicated. By following these Complete Denture Care tips for daily cleaning, proper handling, and regular dental check-ups, you can keep your dentures clean, comfortable, and extend their life.

Your dentures are an important part of your overall health and confidence. Give them the care they deserve, and they’ll help you keep smiling brightly for years to come!

Ready to Keep Your Dentures in Top Shape?

If you have any questions about your denture care, or if your dentures are feeling uncomfortable or need a check-up, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist at Dental Care Mt Eliza.

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one! Schedule your denture check-up today and keep your smile shining!

 

Source: Complete Denture Care: Tips for Maintaining Your Dentures 

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