Denture Information

You may experience discomfort initially as your mouth adjusts to your new denture, and this should not be ignored. If you get any sore patches that persist for more than a week, contact the surgery team at 01883 712 201 to make an appointment to have your dentures adjusted. Do not leave your dentures out, as the dentist will not be able to see where the problem is occurring. Do not just put up with any problems.

Dentures may become ill-fitting or loose as the shape of the gum changes, and your dentures may need adjusting or replacing. As small alterations are easier to get used to than large ones, it is important to visit the practice regularly. It is also important that the rest of your mouth is checked for mouth cancer, which is one of the few cancers on the increase in the UK. So make an appointment for a check-up with your dentist and make sure you remember to book a check-up every #inserttwo# after that.

• Dentures collect plaque and tartar like your natural teeth, so keeping your dentures clean is important to keep the gums underneath healthy. Clean dentures are also less likely to stain.
• Brush your dentures with a soft, small-headed brush using soap and water. Hold the dentures over a bowl of water so that if the dentures are dropped, they are less likely to break.
• Dentures should not be soaked in water overnight. If you wish to soak your dentures in a cleanser like Steradent after you have brushed them, make sure you follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Also, avoid using ordinary toothpaste on your dentures, as some of these are abrasive and can scratch the surface of the denture.
• Do not use household bleaches or your dentures, as this can damage them. Very hot water should also be avoided.
• Take your dentures out every night to give your mouth a rest. Place your dentures in a pot of cold water.
• If your dentures are not in your mouth they should be kept damp, either in a pot of cold water or wrapped in a damp tissue and placed in a sealed plastic bag.

Remember, if you have any discomfort, don’t take your dentures out and leave them in the bottom drawer; make an appointment with your dentist to have them adjusted.