Denture Care: How to Clean and Keep Your Teeth Happy
Table of Contents
Why Denture Care Matters
Taking care of your dentures is very important. Good denture care helps your false teeth last longer. Bad care can make them break faster.
Did you know that 65% of denture wearers get mouth infections from not cleaning their dentures well?This is called denture stomatitis.
Clean dentures help you:
- Have fresh breath
- Keep your mouth healthy
- Make your dentures last 5-8 years instead of just 1-2 years
- Save money on denture repair
Daily Denture Care Routine
Taking care of your dental prosthesis is easy if you know how. Here is what to do each day:
Step 1: Rinse After Eating
After you eat, take your dentures out and rinse them. Use lukewarm water – not hot! Hot water can make your acrylic dentures bend and not fit right.
Step 2: Brush Your Dentures Daily
Brush your dentures every day with a special denture brush. Do not use normal toothpaste! It can scratch your dentures.
What to use:
- Soft denture brush
- Mild soap or denture cleanser
- Antibacterial denture cleaner
Make sure to clean all parts of your partial denture or full denture. Clean where the denture touches your gums very well.
Step 3: Soak Overnight
At night, put your dentures in a soaking solution. This helps clean them better than just brushing.
Good choices for denture soaking:
- Denture cleaning tablets like Polident or Efferdent
- Denture cleanser made for overnight use
Do not use:
- Bleach – it can make your dentures turn white in a bad way
- Vinegar – it can hurt the denture material
A study found that soaking dentures in cleaning tablets kills 85% more germs than just water!
Step 4: Rinse Before Putting Back In
In the morning, rinse your dentures well before putting them back in your mouth. This takes away any cleaning solution that could hurt your mouth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make mistakes when caring for their dentures. About 70% of denture wearers use toothpaste, which can scratch dentures![^4] Here are things NOT to do:
- Using hot water – This makes acrylic dentures bend
- Using toothpaste – Too rough and makes tiny scratches
- Not soaking overnight – Lets germs grow
- Trying to fix dentures yourself – Can break them worse
For small fixes, you can try a professional relining kit instead of doing it all yourself. This helps with denture adjustment.
Troubleshooting Denture Problems
Loose Dentures
If your dentures feel loose:
- Try denture adhesive cream or denture adhesive powder
- See your prosthodontist for a denture relining
- Check if you need new dentures (if they’re over 5 years old)
Denture stability is very important for eating and talking well.
Stains on Dentures
For denture stains removal:
- Make a paste with baking soda and water
- Gently rub with a soft brush
- Use an ultrasonic denture cleaner for tough stains
Bad Breath
If you have bad breath with dentures:
- Clean them more often
- Use denture breath freshening products
- Soak in antibacterial denture cleaner
Sore Spots
If your dentures hurt:
- See your dentist for denture adjustment
- Don’t file or fix them yourself – this can make it worse
- Use a soft cloth to rub sore spots gently
Essential Denture Care Products
You need the right tools for good denture care. Here’s what to get:
| Product | What It Does | How Often To Use |
|---|---|---|
| Denture brush | Cleans without scratching | Every day |
| Denture cleanser tablets | Kills germs, removes stains | Every night |
| Denture adhesive | Helps dentures stay in place | As needed |
| Denture case | Keeps dentures safe when not in mouth | Whenever dentures are out |
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Deep cleans in hard-to-reach spots | Once a week |
Only 37% of people follow the right cleaning steps for dentures. Having these tools makes it easier!
Types of Dentures and Special Care
Different dentures need different care:
Full Dentures
Full denture care means cleaning the whole denture, top and bottom. Make sure to clean where it touches your gums very well.
Partial Dentures
Partial denture care includes cleaning around the metal clasps or hooks. Be gentle so you don’t bend them.
Check out these flexible denture options if you find regular dentures uncomfortable.
Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures need special care. Don’t use hot water as they can bend more easily than hard dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you have denture implants, clean around the attachments very carefully.
When to Replace Your Dentures
Even with good care, dentures don’t last forever. Time to get new ones if:
- They have cracks
- They don’t fit well anymore
- It’s hard to chew food
- They look very worn down
- They’re over 5-7 years old
About 58% of people keep their dentures too long (over 7 years). This can hurt your mouth and make eating hard.
Simple Daily Denture Care Plan
Morning:
- Rinse dentures with cool water
- Brush gently with denture brush
- Rinse again before putting in
After meals:
- Take out and rinse with lukewarm water
- Put back in
Night:
- Take out dentures
- Brush them well
- Soak in cleaning solution all night
- Store in a safe denture case
Questions People Ask About Denture Care
Can I use mouthwash on my dentures?
No. Most mouthwash has alcohol which can damage denture materials.
How often should I see my dentist?
Every 6 months, just like people with natural teeth. Your dentist will check for denture adjustment needs.
Are ultrasonic cleaners worth it?
Yes! They clean 99.9% of bacteria that brushing might miss. This helps stop denture-induced stomatitis.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
It’s best to take them out. Your gums need rest, and soaking dentures at night keeps them cleaner.
How do I fix a broken denture?
Visit a dentist for proper denture repair. Home fixes often make things worse.
Special Tips for New Denture Wearers
If you just got dentures:
- Start with soft foods cut into small pieces
- Practice speaking by reading out loud
- Use a small amount of denture adhesive if needed
- Be patient – it takes time to get used to them
Denture Care for Travelers
When traveling:
- Bring a travel denture case
- Pack denture cleaning tablets – they’re easy to carry
- Keep a travel denture brush
- Pack a small container for soaking
Denture Care and Your Overall Health
Good denture care helps your whole body stay healthy. Dirty dentures can cause:
- Mouth infections
- Gum disease
- Trouble eating healthy foods
- Stomach problems from not chewing well
Innovations in Denture Care
New denture care technology is making things easier:
- Ultrasonic denture cleaners for deep cleaning
- Special wipes for quick cleaning during the day
- New materials that resist stains better
- Apps that remind you to clean your dentures
Cost of Denture Care vs. Replacement
Taking good care of dentures saves money:
- Daily care products: about $60 per year
- Denture repair due to poor care: $200 or more[^8]
- New dentures: $1000-3000
Summary: Keys to Happy Dentures
- Clean every day with the right tools
- Soak every night in cleaning solution
- Handle with care to avoid drops and breaks
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Replace when worn out (5-7 years)
For help with flexible denture repair or choosing between partial dentures with clasps, talk to your dentist. They can help you find the best options for your needs.
Remember, clean dentures make for a happy, healthy smile!
