Denture care
Caring for your dentures at home
The right routine keeps your dentures comfortable, your mouth healthy, and your investment lasting longer.
Daily denture care
- Rinse after every meal. Run water over your dentures (over a folded towel or basin of water in case you drop them) to flush out food particles.
- Brush daily with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive — use a denture cleaner from the drugstore.
- Soak overnight. Plain water or a denture cleaning solution. Never let dentures dry out — they can warp.
- Brush your gums and tongue daily. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean your gums, tongue, and palate. This stimulates circulation and keeps your mouth healthy.
Things to avoid
- Hot water — it can warp the denture material.
- Bleach — it can weaken and discolor most denture materials.
- Regular toothpaste — too abrasive for the denture surface.
- Stiff-bristled brushes — they scratch the surface and create spots where bacteria settle.
- Over-reliance on adhesives — they should be a backup for occasional reassurance, not a daily fix for a poor fit.
When to call us
- Persistent sore spots that don't improve in a few days.
- A denture that suddenly feels loose or shifts when you talk.
- Cracks, chips, or any visible damage.
- Bad taste or odor that doesn't go away with cleaning.
- Any change in fit after dental work, weight loss, or illness.
Annual check-ups
Even without natural teeth, an annual exam matters. We check the condition of your dentures, your gum and bone health, your bite, and we screen for oral cancer. Most dentures need to be relined (refit to your changing gums) every few years and remade every 5 to 10 years.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- How should I clean my dentures?
- Rinse them after every meal to remove food particles. Brush them daily with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser (not regular toothpaste — it's too abrasive). Soak them overnight in a denture cleaning solution or plain water.
- Can I use regular toothpaste?
- No — regular toothpaste contains abrasives that can scratch the denture surface, creating spots where bacteria and stains accumulate. Use a denture-specific cleanser.
- Do I need to take my dentures out at night?
- Yes, in most cases. Your gums need a break from the pressure, and taking them out helps prevent fungal infections under the denture. Soak them in water or denture solution overnight so they don't dry out.
- How do I clean my gums and mouth?
- Brush your gums, tongue, and palate gently with a soft toothbrush each day. This stimulates circulation and removes plaque, even if you have no natural teeth left.
- What if my dentures feel loose?
- Some loosening is normal over time as your gums and jawbone change shape. Avoid over-the-counter glues for anything more than occasional use — they can mask a fit problem and damage the denture. Call us; we can reline (refit) the denture or adjust as needed.
- How often should I see the dentist with dentures?
- Annually at minimum — sometimes more. We check the fit, the condition of the denture, your gums, and screen for oral cancer. Your mouth changes more than you'd think, even without natural teeth.
- What if I drop my dentures?
- Dentures can crack or break if dropped on a hard surface. Always clean them over a folded towel or a basin of water so they don't break if they slip. If they do crack, don't try to glue them at home — bring them in for professional repair.
- Can dentures stain?
- Yes — coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can all discolor denture material over time. Regular cleaning helps. We can also professionally clean and polish dentures during routine visits.
We'd love to see you on Thomson Drive
Call, message, or schedule online — whichever's easiest for you.