Caring for removable dentures: cleaning, removal at night, sore spots and when to replace

Daily cleaning

1. Remove the denture after every meal and rinse it under running water.
2. At least once a day, fill the basin with water or lay a towel down (so it does not break if dropped) and brush the denture with a soft denture brush and liquid soap or a denture cleaner. Toothpaste is abrasive; it scratches the acrylic, and scratches hold stain and bacteria.
3. Clean the inside of the metal clasps and the surface that sits on the palate carefully.
4. Brush the remaining teeth, gums, palate and tongue with a soft brush; massaging the palate improves circulation.

Night-time use

The denture should be removed at night; the tissues rest, and denture stomatitis (a fungal infection of the palate) and bone resorption are reduced. Don't let the denture dry out: keep it in water or a denture-cleaning tablet solution (for dentures with metal clasps, follow the manufacturer's soaking time). Hot water warps acrylic.

Adhesives

A thin layer of adhesive can be used for minor retention problems; if a thick layer is needed every day, the denture no longer fits and needs relining or replacement. Adhesive residue must be cleaned from the denture and the palate every day. Long-term heavy use of zinc-containing adhesives is avoided.

Sore spots and ulcers

Sore spots in the first 2–4 weeks with a new denture are normal; the dentist relieves them with adjustments. Don't grind the denture yourself; even a small filing ruins the retention. Wearing the denture for a few hours before the check-up helps the dentist see the problem spot. Ulcers that have not healed in 2 weeks must be assessed by the dentist.

Denture stomatitis

A red, sometimes burning area under the denture; linked with wearing the denture at night, inadequate cleaning, diabetes and dry mouth. Treatment: denture hygiene, removal at night, an antifungal prescribed by the dentist, disinfection of the denture.

Why does a denture become loose?

The edentulous jawbone resorbs over the years; the denture stays the same and a gap forms. Loosening, food getting underneath, movement when speaking and sunken cheeks are the signs. The solution: relining (adding new acrylic to the fitting surface; 1–2 visits) or remaking (usually every 5–7 years). A broken denture is not repaired with glue at home; it is repaired in the laboratory.

How often to have check-ups

A yearly check, including for full-denture wearers: the fit of the denture, the oral mucosa (ulcers, white/red patches), the jaw joint and the condition of the remaining teeth are assessed.

Implant-supported dentures

Retention is limited especially with a full lower denture. An overdenture that clips onto two implants markedly improves chewing power and confidence; fixed implant-supported prostheses are also an option. Bone condition and general health are assessed at the examination. See Prosthodontics and Dental implants.