Caring for your dentures
There are four simple steps to follow to care for your dentures.
Brush your dentures morning and night
Just like natural teeth, dentures should be brushed morning and night. Remove the denture from the mouth prior to cleaning it. Use a spare toothbrush or a denture cleaning brush and a non-abrasive cleaning agent, such as liquid hand soap. Toothpaste should not be used to clean your denture. Be careful not to drop your denture while cleaning it as it can fracture or break. Try cleaning over a towel or bowl filled with water just in case.
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Soak your dentures daily
Use a denture cleaning solution to soak dentures to remove plaque (bacteria) and disinfect them. Denture cleaning tablets can be purchased from supermarkets and pharmacies. Follow the directions included with the product purchased.
Leave your dentures out at night
Whilst sleeping, dentures should be removed from the mouth and placed in a safe location. The current recommendation is to store dentures in a dry, safe location. However, storing them in water is an option. Removing dentures from the mouth at night helps to allow areas of discomfort within the mouth to heal and prevent infection in the gums beneath the denture. If dentures continue to cause discomfort, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist or dental prosthetist.
Visit your dentist regularly
Return to your dentist or prosthetist for denture adjustments until you find your dentures comfortable to wear. It is important to continue to see your dentist regularly for general check-ups, even if no natural teeth remain. Over time, the shape of the mouth can change causing a denture to no longer fit well or function properly. Dentures may need to be altered where more denture material is added to help the denture fit securely again. In some cases, new dentures may be required.