Are you one of the millions of Aussies who rely on dentures to keep their smile bright and functional? If so, you already know how important they are. Dentures aren’t just for eating and speaking—they’re essential for your confidence and overall health. But just like your natural teeth, dentures require proper, daily care. Neglecting them can lead to bad breath, infections, and damage to the dentures themselves.
This guide is your go-to resource for mastering how to care for dentures. We’ll cover everything from simple cleaning routines to knowing when to call your local dentist in Sunbury or dentists in Gisborne Vic.
What Are Dentures?
Before we dive into the care tips, let’s quickly recap what we’re talking about. Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are usually made of acrylic resin and sometimes incorporate metal.
- Complete Dentures: These replace all the teeth in either the top or bottom jaw (or both).
- Partial Dentures: These are used when one or more natural teeth remain, filling the gaps left by missing teeth.
No matter which type you have, they all share one thing in common: they need consistent, gentle maintenance to last a long time and stay clean and fresh.
How to Clean Your Dentures Properly (Denture Cleaning Tips)
This is the most crucial part of denture maintenance. You need to treat your dentures differently than natural teeth, as using a regular toothbrush and toothpaste can actually scratch the surface. Those tiny scratches are where bacteria love to hide!
1. Rinse After Every Meal
Just a quick rinse under the tap is a great start. This removes loose food particles and prevents them from hardening and becoming tougher to clean later.
2. Brush Daily (The Right Way)
You must brush your dentures every single day to remove plaque, food deposits, and stains.
- Use the Right Brush: Get a brush specifically designed for dentures, which has larger, uniquely shaped heads, or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use the Right Cleaner: Never use regular toothpaste! It’s too abrasive. Instead, use a non-abrasive denture cleaner, mild hand soap, or even dish soap.
- The Technique: Gently brush all surfaces of the denture, being careful not to bend any attachments, especially on partial dentures.
3. Deep Clean with a Soaking Solution
Brushing alone isn’t enough to kill all the germs. Soaking is key for keeping dentures clean and fresh.
- Place your dentures in a glass of water with a denture-cleansing tablet (following the product instructions) once a day or overnight.
- This helps sanitise them and lifts tougher stains.
How to Store Your Dentures (Storing Dentures Properly)
When you take your dentures out for the night, they can’t just be left on the bathroom counter. Storing dentures properly is vital for their longevity.
- Keep Them Moist: Dentures, especially those made of acrylic, need to stay moist to maintain their shape. If they dry out, they can become brittle and warp.
- Use Water or Soaking Solution: Always store them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water. Make sure the water isn’t hot, as high temperatures can cause warping.
- Rinse Before Wearing: Always rinse your dentures thoroughly with water before putting them back in your mouth, especially if you used a chemical soaking solution. This prevents you from ingesting the solution and reduces irritation.
Dealing with Stains and Odour
Nobody wants a discoloured smile or bad breath! Regular cleaning should keep things under control, but if you’re dealing with stubborn issues:
- For Stains: Try a longer soak (overnight) in a proper denture cleaning solution. Avoid home remedies like bleach, which can weaken the denture material and bleach the pink acrylic.
- For Odor: Bad odour is almost always caused by built-up bacteria and plaque. Step up your daily brushing and soaking routine. Remember to also brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush every morning before inserting your dentures.
How to Prevent Denture Damage
Dentures are resilient, but they’re not indestructible. One drop onto a hard floor can mean a trip to the dentist Sunbury for a costly repair.
- Handle with Care: Always hold them over a folded towel, a basin full of water, or a soft mat when cleaning. If they slip, the padding will cushion the fall.
- Keep Away from Pets and Kids: Dentures make a surprisingly good chew toy for dogs and a curious item for small children. Store them securely when not in use.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: As mentioned, don’t use abrasive cleaners, bleach, or boiling water. These will damage the material and potentially the metal clasps (on partials).
When to See a Dentist for Denture Care
Your natural teeth required regular check-ups, and so do your dentures! Regular visits to your dentists Gisborne Vic are essential, even if your dentures feel fine.
- Routine Check-ups: See your dentist at least once a year. They will check the fit of your dentures, examine the soft tissues of your mouth for any signs of disease or irritation, and give your dentures a professional clean.
- Professional Cleaning: Dentists have specialist tools to remove hardened tartar and stains that home cleaning can’t tackle.
- Relining and Rebasing: Over time, the shape of your jaw bone and gums changes. This is a natural process. Your dentures will become loose as a result, requiring a reline (adding material to the fit surface) or rebase(making a new base while keeping the existing teeth).
Signs That Your Dentures Need Adjustment
A well-fitting denture shouldn’t cause discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to book an appointment:
- Persistent Sore Spots: Small, temporary sores can happen, but if you have a sore spot that lasts for more than a day or two, your denture is likely rubbing in one place.
- Difficulty Chewing: If you suddenly find it harder to eat foods you used to manage, the fit may be off.
- Clicking or Slipping: If your dentures click when you speak or eat, or if you feel them noticeably slipping out of place, they are too loose.
- Bad Odour Despite Cleaning: If you can’t get rid of a persistent bad smell, it could be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection under the denture, which needs professional treatment.
Taking action quickly on these signs can prevent serious oral health issues and save your dentures from major damage.
Conclusion
Caring for your dentures doesn’t have to be a chore. By committing to a simple, daily routine—brushing with the right tools, soaking overnight, and handling them carefully—you’ll ensure your dentures stay comfortable, clean, and functioning beautifully for years to come. A sparkling, healthy smile is always worth the effort!
Don’t forget to schedule your regular check-ups with your trusted dental professional, whether you’re visiting your dentist in Sunbury or your dentists in Gisborne Vic.
Call to Action
Ready to ensure your smile is in tip-top shape?
If you’ve noticed your dentures are loose, causing sore spots, or it’s simply time for a check-up, don’t put it off! Contact your local dental practice today to book an appointment for a professional cleaning and fit assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I sleep with my dentures in?
A: Most dentists recommend removing your dentures for six to eight hours a day, usually overnight. This gives your gums and jawbone a chance to rest and helps prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
Q: How often should I replace my dentures?
A: Generally, dentures should be replaced every five to eight years. Even with the best care, your jaw and gum line change over time, which affects the fit. If you notice a persistent loose fit, it’s a sign they might be due for a replacement or a major adjustment like a rebase.
Q: Can I use superglue if my denture breaks?
A: Absolutely not! Superglue is toxic and should never be used on a dental appliance. If your denture cracks or breaks, keep all the pieces and see your dentist immediately. They are trained to perform safe, hygienic, and structurally sound repairs.
Dr Mahmoud Metwally, a second-generation dentist in Sunbury, moved to Australia in 2015 after clearing the Australian Dental Board exam. With over nine years of experience, Dr Mahmoud Metwally focuses on root canal treatments and cosmetic dentistry. As a dentist in Sunbury, he advocates for preventative care, minimally invasive dentistry, and prioritises patient comfort.
