6 Mistakes to Avoid With Dentures

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS

Written By Chris Illiades, MD on July 7, 2021

Was this helpful?

108

• 

  Wear and Care Tips for Dentures

  When you lose enough of your natural teeth, dentures may be the next best thing. Although they are great option for many people, wearing and caring for dentures takes some effort. You can keep your mouth healthy and wear your dentures longer if you avoid some simple denture mistakes.
• 

  1. Don’t rush the fit.

  Your dentist will need to take some measurements and impressions to get the right fit for you. Even with the right measurements, your dentures may feel strange at first. They may feel loose and you may have some soreness. Most of these problems get better with time. New dentures may need adjusting. Don’t rush through the fitting process. Keep going back to your dentist until you get the best fit possible.
• 

  2. Don’t stop brushing.

  Having dentures doesn't mean you can stop brushing. Dental hygiene is still important. Brush your tongue, gums, and any remaining teeth every morning, every night, and after meals, if necessary. Do this just as you did before your dentures. Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing will keep your mouth healthy and reduce bad breath and irritation from wearing your dentures.
• 

  3. Don’t brush dentures hard.

  You should brush your dentures as often as you would your normal teeth. Rinse them well before brushing. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser. Dentures are softer than teeth. If you brush them too hard, you can scratch them. Ask your dentist to suggest a cleaning paste. Make sure to clean the whole denture, not just the teeth of the denture. If you wear an adhesive and it sticks to your dentures, brushing gently with soap and water may remove it.
• 

  4. Don’t let dentures fall or dry out.

  When you clean your dentures, clean them over a sink filled with water or over a folded towel. Dropping a wet and slippery denture on the floor or sink can crack and ruin it. When you take out your dentures at night, never leave them to dry by your bedside. A dry denture will warp. Put your dentures in a clean and safe container, completely covered in water. Ask your dentist if you should soak them in a cleaning solution overnight.
• 

  5. Don’t stain your dentures.

  Dentures can stain just like regular teeth. Cleaning them regularly will help. You can also prevent staining by avoiding foods that stain. These include red wine, tea, and coffee. Don't smoke or chew tobacco. These products will stain and damage your mouth and gums. Do not try to bleach your dentures if they become stained. Bleach can weaken your dentures. Ask your dentist to clean the stains for you.
• 

  6. Don’t stop your regular dental visits.

  There are lots of reasons to keep seeing your dentist regularly. You still need checkups for the rest of your mouth. Your dentures may need an adjustment now and then. Over time, your jaw and gums may shrink. Your dentures may become loose. Let your dentist know if your dentures make a clicking sound, feel uncomfortable, become damaged, or are wearing down. Dentures may eventually need to be refit or replaced.

6 Mistakes to Avoid With Dentures

About The Author

Was this helpful?

108