At NewStart Denture + Implant Partners, we want to make sure you know how to take care of your dentures. If you’re looking into your denture options in Raleigh, North Carolina or are considering dentures for the first time, this denture care guide can help.

Cleaning Your Dentures

You should clean your dentures at least once a day. You can brush them with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture cleaner. Be sure to brush all the surfaces of your dentures, including the inside surfaces that touch your gums. You should also rinse your dentures after eating.

If you wear partial dentures, you should remove them before brushing your natural teeth. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the partial—including any clasps—with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture cleaner. You should also brush your natural teeth twice a day.

Different Types of Dentures

There are two main types of dentures—partial and full—and each type has its own set of instructions for care.

• Partial dentures – Partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.
• Full dentures – Full dentures replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They rest on the gums and are held in place by suction or a light adhesive. A full upper denture covers the roof of your mouth (palate), while a full lower has a horseshoe shape so it leaves room for your tongue.

Not Caring For Your Dentures

If you don’t take proper care of your dentures, they won’t last as long and you may end up with mouth sores. Here are some things that can happen if you don’t take care of your dentures:

• Mouth sores – If food gets trapped under ill-fitting dentures, you may develop sores on your gums. These sores can become infected if they’re not cleaned properly.
• Bad breath – If food particles are left on your dentures overnight, bacteria will form and cause bad breath.
• Denture odors – Poorly fitting dentures can cause a buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can lead to an unpleasant odor.

What to Eat with Dentures

What you eat affects how long your denture will last as well as how comfortable it is to wear them. Here are some tips for eating with new or ill-fitting dentures:

• Start with soft foods – When you first get new dentures or reline existing ones, eat soft foods like eggs, fish, cooked vegetables, applesauce, and yogurt until you get used to wearing them again. Avoid chewy foods – Foods like bagels and steak can be tough on new or relined dentures because they require a lot of chewing motion. Once you’re more comfortable with wearing them again, slowly introduce these foods back into your diet.
• Cut food into small pieces – Biting into large chunks of food can loosen poorly fitting or new dentures. To avoid this problem, cut food into smaller pieces before eating it.
• Use both hands – Holding food in place with one hand while cutting it with the other can help prevent loose dentures from moving around in your mouth while you eat

Reach Out to NewStart Denture + Implant Partners Today

If you have any questions about how to take care of your dentures, reach out to NewStart Denture + Implant Partners in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our team is here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right type of denture for you to providing long-term care and maintenance. Schedule a consultation today by calling us at 919.822.9154!