Your Complete Guide for Denture Care
Denture Care Guide
Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, a denture specialist in Rochester, NY, aims to help your prosthesis last as long as possible. Therefore, he and his team have created a Denture Care Guide to provide you with valuable denture care and maintenance information. Dentures can enhance your smile and self-esteem, but it's essential to know how to maintain them and practice proper hygiene to ensure long-term success.
As always, contact our Prosthodontics office, if you have any additional questions or concerns about your dentures.
A Message for New Denture Wearers
What to Expect
Congratulations on your new dentures! Dr. Kuyunov and his team will do anything they can to make your transition to dentures as easy as possible. At first, getting used to your dentures can be somewhat challenging, but we will support you every step of the way.
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Time – Allow yourself and your body time to learn how to use dentures. At first, they may feel unnatural. However, with time, most people can use them with much success. ​
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Speech – Practice speaking with them as often as possible. Speaking will become easier and clearer with time. It is also expected to have an increase in salivary flow. This is normal.​​
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Eating – Start eating soft foods and slowly progress to harder foods.
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Extractions – If you've had extractions recently, expect your oral structures to change over time. This may necessitate additional work such as a reline and/or rebase to ensure that your dentures fit properly.
Cleaning Instructions for Dentures
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on dentures and teeth after eating and drinking. Consistent cleaning not only extends the life of your dentures but also helps maintain your oral health. Follow these steps when cleaning your dentures to keep your oral health in great shape.
Step 1 – Gather everything you will need at your sink:
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A soft-bristled toothbrush or one that is made specifically for dentures.
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Denture cleaning solution or mild hand or dish soap.
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A towel to place on the bathroom counter in case dentures are dropped.
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Step 2– Remove your dentures and rinse them with warm water (avoid using hot water).
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Step 3 – Gently brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush to loosen and remove bacteria, food particles, plaque, and denture adhesive. Use a denture cream or mild soap and warm water.
​NOTE: Special denture cleaning solutions can damage dentures if used for longer times than indicated. They are usually indicated for 15-20 minutes. After this, the solution should be disposed of and dentures should be placed in regular water.
Denture Care and Maintenance Tips
Properly cared for dentures can last an average of 7 to 10 years. Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, denture specialist in Rochester, NY, has compiled a list of care and maintenance tips that will extend the life of your dentures or partial dentures. As always, please contact our prosthodontics office, if you have any questions.
General Care Tips
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If you have pets, keep dentures away from their reach. Pets like to chew on dentures.
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Avoid using dentures to open bottles or chew hard foods to prevent damage.
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Handle dentures carefully—they can break if dropped on a hard surface.
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Always keep dentures moist to prevent them from warping or becoming brittle.
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Use denture adhesives, creams, and soaking solutions as directed on the package instructions.
General Cleaning Tips​​
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After each meal, remove your dentures and rinse them and your mouth with lukewarm water.
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Brush your gums and tongue with a soft-bristle toothbrush twice a day to maintain gum health and prevent bad breath. ​Refrain from using abrasive materials, including hard-bristle brushes or sharp instruments when cleaning your dentures.
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Avoid using toothpaste, whitening products, bleach, or other harsh chemicals on dentures; they can damage, scratch, or discolor them.​
For Partial Dentures: Individuals with partial dentures should brush and floss their remaining teeth each day. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any leftover adhesive.
Night Time Cleaning Routine
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Clean dentures with warm water and soap using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Be sure to remove any adhesive.
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Don’t sleep with your dentures. Let your gums rest and “breath”. Keep dentures in a container with water overnight to prevent warping. Never use hot water to clean, rinse, or soak them, as this can alter the shape of your dentures.
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If using denture tablets or other solution made specifically for dentures, please follow their instructions.​
When to See a Dental Professional
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Primary Dentist
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​Keep your semi-annual hygiene visits with your primary dentist.
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Prosthodontist
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Visit your prosthodontist once a year to have your dentures inspected and to make any necessary adjustments.
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Make an appointment immediately, if you experience any discomfort or develop sores.
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If you notice your dentures are becoming loose or are damaged, see your prosthodontist for adjustments and repairs. Do not attempt to alter or repair dentures yourself, as this could result in further complications.
Denture Care Q&A
Q: How often should I clean my dentures?
A: You should clean your dentures at least once a day but brushing them twice a day is even better. We recommend brushing your dentures when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night. You should also soak them in water each night.
Q: Can I use regular toothpaste and toothbrush to clean my dentures?
A: Toothpaste can be too abrasive for dentures, causing scratches or cracks. Use warm water and soap with a soft-bristled or special denture toothbrush with round-ended bristles.
Q: What are the risks of not cleaning dentures daily?
A: If you don’t clean your dentures, plaque can build up, putting you at risk of gum disease and bad breath.
Q: Can I use mouthwash?
A: Certainly. It is advisable to remove your dentures before using standard mouthwash, or alternatively, use a mouthwash formulated specifically for individuals with dentures.
Q: What should I do if my dentures become loose?
A: If dentures become loose, it is recommended to schedule a visit with a prosthodontist, since ill-fitting dentures may lead to friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones.
Q: Should I use a denture adhesive?
A: You may use a denture adhesive for a secure fit but avoid using it as a substitute for ill-fitting dentures. Just remember to remove adhesive from your dentures every night with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Q: When should I contact my dentist?
A: Contact your dentist or prosthodontist if your dentures:
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Become loose and slip
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Feel uncomfortable or ill-fitting
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Make noise when you eat or talk
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Are visibly worn or broken
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Cause irritation or mouth sores
Looking for a Denture Specialist in Rochester, NY?
Visit Dr. Isaac Kuyunov!
Dr. Kuyunov and his dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss being fitted for dentures or partial dentures and experience the difference of personalized, compassionate dental care.
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Call us today at 585-471-5689 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Or click the link below.