Looking After Your Denture
Denture Advice
Like natural teeth, dentures must be looked after if they are going to last. Dentures should fit well and be comfortable and should be replaced if they are damaged or no longer fit properly.
However, it is important to be aware that some people can become very attached to an old set of dentures so they might not be happy with an idea of a new set.
We offer a very refined method of denture duplication which ensures the replacement process is not traumatic at all.
Identification
Every effort must be made to ensure dentures are not lost. It can happen in the hospital or in the care home. We offer a metal identification tag fitted inside the new dentures.
Brushing and cleaning
People who wear dentures, even a complete set, will need to brush their gums, tongue and palate with a soft brush. Dentures also require daily cleaning. Dentures should be cleaned ideally after each food intake as food particles may accumulate on the fitting surfaces, then dry out, which can cause it to rub on the gums, thus causing aggravation for the denture wearer.
Otherwise it can be cleaned daily with a soft brush to remove food deposits and plaque. You can also order from us a specialised ultrasonic denture cleaner bath or you can purchase it anywhere else.
Use a specialised denture cleaner or simply soap and water. Please do not bleach the dentures!!! It destroys the acrylic and makes the dentures weaker and eventually the denture will break under the stress when you chew food.
Taking dentures out
Ideally, dentures should be left out of the mouth for between 4 and 8 hours every 24 hours as dentures which are not removed can be a source of fungal infection (e.g. thrush). They should be taken out at night and kept in a container with cold water in a safe place. But nothing is wrong with keeping dentures in the mouth at night, provided you clean them thoroughly before go to bed. It can be suggested to have 2 sets of dentures – for night time and day time.
Changes
As people get older, the shape of their mouth can change and dentures may no longer fit properly. Dentures can break, chip and crack; or wearer can simply grow out of them, as the shape of the mouth changes. It is advisable to contact Clinical Dental Technicians for help. Please do not attempt to make any reconstructions or adjustments yourself.
Using dental fixatives
Some denture wearers use fixatives to secure dentures, but in general fixatives should not be necessary to secure a well-made, fitting denture.
On the other hand, fixing old faithful dentures in this way is sometimes the only option for some people who might find it difficult to obtain a new denture.
Just be aware that using fixatives in a prolong time, can give you a headaches and its increases the bacteria in the mouth and make the muscles lazy.
Some common problems
Abscesses
Can be caused by dental decay, broken teeth, infected roots or gum disease. They cause pain and there may be swelling and fever. A dentist should be called as an emergency.
Dribbling
Is not necessarily connected with teeth and could be a symptom of something else such as Parkinson`s disease. However, dribbling can be caused by tooth problems, particularly if person wears dentures. New dentures can cause some dribbling, but this usually goes away when the mouth adapts to the appliance. Contact your clinician or dentist for advice.
Dry mouth
Usually is a side effect of certain medicines or treatments, especially antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs and sedatives. Saliva is essential for a healthy mouth and having a dry mouth is likely to lead to an imbalance in the bacteria of the mouth, causing Thrush. It is almost impossible to wear full dentures with a dry mouth.
We advise you
To understand the underlying cause of it and ask your GP if alternative medications are available.