Dentures

Dentures are designed to be hard-wearing, but they will last longer if you treat them with care. Dentures should be removed before you go to bed so your gums can have a rest, but they must be stored in water or denture fluid as they could lose their shape if allowed to dry out.

The best way to clean your dentures is with a toothbrush or special denture brush. It is also important to keep your gums and any remaining natural teeth clean too. Make sure you book regular check-ups and hygiene appointments so your dentist and hygienist can help you maintain good oral health and make sure your dentures are fitting well.

Unless you have been advised not to by your dentist, you should take your dentures out at night to give your gums a rest. Keep them in water or denture fluid so they don’t dry out. You should wear your dentures for at least 8 hours every day.

It’s best to avoid hard & chewy foods, as well as sticky or spicy foods and alcohol while your mouth is sore or healing. To get used to the feeling of dentures, you should try not to rush eating so you can focus on the eating process and take small bites or cut up your food into bite size pieces so less chewing is required.

It can take a little while to get used to your new dentures, especially if they are a complete set. They may feel odd at first and eating can be tricky, so it may be a good idea to start with softer foods and slowly introduce more challenging items. The amount of saliva in your mouth may increase, but this should soon improve as your mouth gets used to your replacement teeth.

Initially, speaking may be difficult but you can improve this by reading aloud. If you are experiencing any sore spots in your mouth, the denture surface may need some adjustment.

Minor irritation is common as you get used to your dentures, but may be an indication that your dentures need adjusting. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call your dentist as soon as possible so they can fix the problem and ensure your dentures are comfortable.