Caring for Your New Denture

Your new denture has been individually made for your mouth and smile. Good daily care will help keep it clean and comfortable while supporting the health of your gums and remaining natural teeth.

Daily Denture Care

Your denture should be cleaned every day to remove food, plaque and other deposits.

• Remove and clean your denture every day.
• Brush all surfaces carefully using a suitable denture brush or toothbrush.
• Clean your gums and mouth each day as well as cleaning the denture.
• Remove any remaining denture adhesive from both your mouth and denture each day.
• Rinse your denture thoroughly before placing it back into your mouth.

Cleaning Your Mouth

Keeping the tissues underneath your denture healthy is just as important as cleaning the denture itself.

Gently clean your gums, tongue and other areas covered by the denture each day. If you have remaining natural teeth, continue brushing and flossing them carefully.

Soaking and Cleaning Your Denture

Use water no hotter than you would comfortably use to wash your hands. Excessively hot water may affect the shape of your denture.

For additional cleaning, you may use one of the following methods:

• Soak the denture for approximately 15 minutes in equal parts water and white vinegar to help soften hard deposits before brushing.
• Use a suitable non-abrasive denture cleanser according to the manufacturer's directions.

Denture cleansers should be used outside the mouth. Rinse your denture thoroughly before putting it back in.

When Your Denture Is Out of Your Mouth

Store your denture in water when it is not being worn. This helps prevent the denture material from drying out or changing shape.

Keep the denture in a safe place where it cannot easily be knocked onto the floor or accessed by children or pets.

Give Your Mouth a Rest

Avoid wearing your denture continuously for more than 24 hours. Your gums and oral tissues benefit from having time without the denture in place.

Leave your denture out while showering and consider removing it while sleeping, unless your dentist has advised you otherwise.

Using Denture Adhesive

Denture adhesive can sometimes improve retention and stability and may help reduce food collecting underneath the denture.

If you use adhesive:

• Use only a small amount.
• Three or four pea-sized amounts are generally sufficient for each denture.
• Remove all remaining adhesive from your denture and mouth every day.

Eating with Your New Denture

Eating may feel different while you become accustomed to your new denture. Begin with manageable foods and gradually return to a wider variety as your confidence increases.

• Take smaller bites initially.
• Chew slowly and carefully.
• Try to distribute chewing between both sides where possible.
• Be cautious with very hard, tough or sticky foods.

If Your Denture Feels Sore

Some areas may require adjustment as your mouth becomes accustomed to your new denture.

If you develop persistent soreness, rubbing or an uncomfortable pressure point, please contact Brisbane Smiles rather than attempting to adjust the denture yourself.

Ongoing Professional Care

Continue your regular dental examinations even if you have no remaining natural teeth.

We recommend bringing your denture to Brisbane Smiles each year for professional ultrasonic cleaning and assessment.

Your regular review also allows us to assess the fit and function of your denture and examine the health of your gums and other oral tissues.