Denture Care

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What is a denture?

A denture replaces some or all missing natural teeth. A denture may be all plastic or plastic and metal. Dentures help improve eating, speaking, and appearance.

How often should I take my dentures out?

You should take your denture out daily and let the tissue under your denture breathe for six to eight hours a day or overnight. Without enough air, the tissue may become irritated or even infected. Always store your denture in a container filled with water or denture cleaner. The denture may change shape if it dries out.

How often should I clean my dentures?

Dentures should be cleaned after each meal and before you go to bed. Dentures can get covered in tarter and stain just like natural teeth. Proper daily care keeps dentures looking nice and helps prevent bad breath, irritated tissue and infections.

How do I clean my dentures?

• Brush dentures after every meal and before bed. If you can't brush after meals, rise your denture with water to remove any left over food debris.
• Brush dentures with a denture brush, water and toothpaste or a mild soap.
• Brush dentures over the sink half filled with water or lined with a towel to avoid breaking if it slips from your hand.
• Use cool or warm water. Hot water can change the shape of your denture so that it doesn't fit right.
• Never scrape your denture and avoid harsh cleaners that may scratch them.
• Soak your dentures overnight in denture cleaner that bubbles away stain and tarter.

What care is needed inside my mouth?

Clean the inside of your mouth, including your gums and tongue, daily with a toothbrush or cloth to remove food debris. Daily cleaning also helps the blood flow through the tissue and keeps the gums healthy. All natural teeth should be brushed after every meal and before you go to bed.

Do I need to see a dentist if I don't have any natural teeth?

It is very important to see a dentist every year for an exam and oral cancer screening. The dentist will also check your dentures to make sure they fit and fix any problems you may have.

Will my dentures ever need to be replaced?

As we get older, bones in our mouth change and even waste away. It may be possible to repair, adjust or reline your dentures to make them fit again, but more than likely your dentures will be needed to be replaced at some time. See your dentist if you have problems keeping the denture in your mouth, chewing, speaking or if you have pain or red spots in your mouth when you wear the denture.

Dentures should be labeled to identify them if misplaced. Ask a dentist for advice or assistance with labeling.

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