Dentures play a crucial role in restoring the function and appearance of a person’s smile after tooth loss. Whether you wear full or partial dentures, proper cleaning & maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity, comfort, and your overall oral health. Neglecting denture care can lead to oral infections, bad breath, and premature wear, ultimately affecting your quality of life.
Here are some key reasons why cleaning & maintaining your dentures is so important:
Prolongs Denture Lifespan
Dentures are an investment, and proper care ensures they last as long as possible. Cleaning them daily and storing them properly when not in use prevents damage and helps them retain their shape. Avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning materials protects the denture from wear and tear.
Prevents Oral Infections
Dentures can harbor bacteria and fungi without proper cleaning, leading to infections like stomatitis or thrush. These conditions cause redness, swelling, and discomfort in the mouth. Regularly brushing your dentures and soaking them in a recommended cleaning solution minimizes the risk of infections and promotes overall oral hygiene.
Maintains Gum and Mouth Health
Poorly maintained dentures can cause irritation and sores on the gums, leading to discomfort and inflammation. Plaque buildup on dentures can also contribute to gum disease, affecting the remaining natural teeth and oral tissues. Keeping your dentures clean and ensuring they fit well helps maintain healthy gums and prevents unnecessary complications.
Prevents Bad Breath
Bacteria and food particles can accumulate on dentures, leading to unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning of dentures, along with maintaining good oral hygiene, helps eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. Soaking your dentures overnight in a disinfecting solution can also help keep them fresh.
Ensures a Comfortable Fit
Over time, dentures may become loose due to natural changes in the shape of your gums and jaw. Poorly fitting dentures can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even sores. Regular dental check-ups allow for necessary adjustments to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and function properly.
Improves Overall Health
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Poor denture hygiene can lead to infections that may affect other parts of the body, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Maintaining clean dentures and healthy gums contributes to overall well-being and reduces the risk of related health issues.
Tips for Proper Denture Cleaning & Maintenance:
Daily care is essential for keeping your dentures in top condition, whether you wear complete dentures, partial dentures, or advanced options like implant-retained dentures. Here’s how to keep them clean, comfortable, and long-lasting:
Brush daily with the right tools
Use a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to gently clean all surfaces. Regular toothpaste can be too harsh, especially on acrylic, resin, or plastic (polymer) dentures, causing microscopic scratches that trap bacteria.
Rinse after every meal
Remove and rinse your dentures with lukewarm water after eating. This helps remove trapped food particles, reduces odours, and prevents plaque buildup—particularly important for removable dentures.
Soak overnight in a cleaning solution
Denture materials need to stay moist to maintain their shape. Soak them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight. This also helps eliminate harmful bacteria and keeps them feeling fresh in the morning.
Avoid hot or boiling water
Heat can warp certain materials like acrylic and plastic (polymer), which will affect the fit and comfort of your dentures. Always clean with cool or lukewarm water.
Handle with care
When cleaning, do so over a basin filled with water or a soft towel to avoid damage if dropped—porcelain dentures and those with metal frameworks are especially vulnerable to chipping or bending.
Clean your mouth and gums too
Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily. If you wear fixed partial dentures or dental bridges, floss carefully around the supporting teeth or implants to prevent gum disease.
Specific care for implant-supported options
Implant-retained dentures and partial dentures with dental implants require extra attention around the implant sites. Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas without disturbing the implant.
Replace when necessary
Even with excellent care, resin and acrylic dentures can wear down or become loose over time. Visit your dentist at least once a year for a professional assessment and realignment or denture repair or replacement if needed.
Watch for signs of wear
Cracks, discolouration, or difficulty chewing may indicate it’s time to refit or replace your dentures. This applies to all types—whether complete, partial, or porcelain.
Regular dental visits matter
Routine check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health, adjusting fit, and preventing complications. Your dentist will check for pressure sores, infection, or early signs of decay or gum disease under and around the denture base.
When to consult your denture expert
If you feel that you’re unable to maintain comfort and cleanliness of your dentures, it might be time to consult a denture expert. Contact us today for a consultation.
