Denture Care
What are Dentures?
Dentures are a type of restoration that fits comfortably over your gums to replace missing teeth. These removable appliances are typically made of acrylic, nylon or metal.
- Partial Dentures: Replaces one tooth or a few missing teeth.
- Complete Dentures: Replaces the entire row of teeth on the upper or lower jaw. Complete dentures on the upper and lower jaw are called a full set.
Caring for Your Dentures
Your dentures may feel strange at first. The more you wear your dentures, the sooner you get used to them. Your dentures will maintain their fit and last longer if you care for them properly. Dentures last up to ten years with proper care.
Use these tips to clean and maintain your dentures at home:
- Brush your remaining teeth, gums and tongue every morning before inserting your denture appliance. This healthy habit prevents tooth decay, bacteria growth, gum disease and other complications.
- Remove your dentures before sleeping and place them in warm water or an appropriate cleaning solution. Storing them this way prevents the appliance from drying out or building up bacteria.
- Always handle your dentures over a bowl of water or towel to lower the risk of dropping and breaking them.
- Contact South Cliff Dental Group immediately if your dentures are chipped, cracked or broken.
- Visit the dentist regularly for exams, check-ups and cleaning to maintain oral health and hygiene.
- Treat your dentures as if they were your natural teeth.
Follow any other denture maintenance instructions from the manufacturer.
Clean Your Dentures Regularly
Cleaning dentures improperly may result in other dental problems like bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and more.
Clean your dentures at least twice a day. Removing plaque build-up and food deposits from your dentures should become a habit or part of your everyday routine. We recommend cleaning with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush before rinsing with cold water.
Dentures Must Not Dry Out
Whenever you remove your dentures, keep them damp or moist to prevent the material from changing shape.
If you are not wearing your dentures, place them in a warm cup of water or a polythene bag with a suitable cleaning solution. If you need alternative ways to wear or remove your dentures, our South Cliff Dental Group dentists will consult with you about your care options.
Private Treatment Options
Along with providing NHS dentures, South Cliff Dental Group offers a range of private options to suit your needs, including denture repair services. Please get in touch to learn more.
Eating with Dentures
Eating may present some initial challenges if this is your first time having dentures. Thankfully, it just takes a little practise to get back to your regular diet.
Start out eating soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly with both sides of your mouth and avoid gum or foods that are sticky, sharp or hard. Once you fully adjust to wearing dentures, you can begin to eat other types of food again until you’re back to enjoying your typical meals.
When to Visit the Dentist
Regularly seeing a dentist is still essential — even with dentures. Your gums, jaws and mouth are constantly changing, so your dentures may need the occasional adjustment to ensure a comfortable, proper fit. We can also check for any new or ongoing dental issues during your visit.
- Clicking while you speak
- They slip or do not fit properly
- Pain or physical discomfort
- They are worn or broken
- You have symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, sensitivity or bad breath
- Broken or poorly fitting dentures can cause mouth sores or other tooth discomforts, including infections and difficulty eating, speaking or sleeping.
Book a Free Denture Consultation
Dentures can make a positive difference to your health and self-confidence, but it’s important to care for them properly. Visit a South Cliff dental practice for your denture needs or book an appointment at one of our locations in West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire or Wiltshire.