Nima Raoufinia DDS

Lumen Dental of Tysons Corner

703-219-8575

8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 160A
 Tysons Corner, VA 22103

Denture Care

Dentures, like natural teeth, require care to function properly. Regular dental check-ups to evaluate the fit of the appliances and check oral tissue for signs of disease are essential for those with dentures, especially because loose-fitting dentures can cause sores and infection. In addition, patients with dentures need to practice good oral hygiene and take steps to ensure that their dentures are kept clean and intact. Proper denture care helps to safeguard oral health and maintain an attractive appearance.

Maintaining Dentures

In addition to brushing dentures at least once daily with a nonabrasive cleanser, patients wearing dentures should do the following:

  • Avoid eating hard or sticky foods
  • Avoid using toothpicks
  • Remove dentures after eating and rinse them thoroughly
  • Soak dentures overnight in a solution designed for the purpose
  • Handle dentures gently, taking care not to bend or damage them
  • See the dentist promptly if the dentures become loose

In order for dentures to retain their integrity, it is important that all particles of food, plaque, and denture adhesive be completely removed. A nonabrasive denture cleanser should be used for this purpose and patients should exercise special care to clean the grooves that are filled with adhesive when the dentures are put into the mouth.

While keeping dentures hygienic is important, patients should be aware that some cleaning methods may irrevocably damage their appliances. These include: abrasive cleansers, hard-bristled toothbrushes, whitening toothpastes, bleach and hot or boiling water.

Oral Hygiene for Denture Wearers

Not only is it essential for patients with dentures to keep their appliances clean and in good condition, it is necessary for them to maintain good oral health as well. After removing their dentures, denture wearers should:

  • Brush their natural teeth with a soft toothbrush
  • Use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean the tongue, cheeks and upper palate
  • Make sure to rinse their dentures before reinserting them

Patients should make sure not to get denture cleaning solution into their mouths since such products contain harmful chemicals that may cause pain, burns or vomiting if swallowed.

Additional Resources