Patient guide
Caring for your dentures
A few simple habits keep your dentures comfortable, fresh, and lasting for years. Here’s what we tell every patient — including the things people most often forget.
Clean them every day
Rinse your dentures after meals, and brush them daily with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Skip regular toothpaste — it’s too abrasive and leaves fine scratches that trap stains. Clean them over a folded towel or a sink half-full of water, so a slip doesn’t turn into a crack.
Soak them overnight
Most dentures need to stay moist, so soak them in water or a denture solution while you sleep. Never use hot water — it can warp the fit. Taking them out overnight also gives your gums a chance to rest, and lets you brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
Did you know? A good overnight soak can kill up to 99.9% of denture germs.
Getting used to a new set
New dentures take a little practice, and that’s completely normal. Most people find that somewhere between two weeks and three months, eating becomes far easier and more natural. Start with softer foods cut into small pieces, chew on both sides at once, and read aloud for a few minutes a day to settle your speech.
The good news: most denture wearers can once again enjoy the foods they love. While not everyone can eat absolutely everything, many people find they have very few restrictions in their diet.
How your dentures are made
Your dentures are custom-made from an impression of your jaw and mouth, taken during a fitting session — that’s what makes them sit comfortably against your gums. Full dentures can be conventional (made after your gums have healed) or immediate.
Immediate, or surgical, dentures are made in advance and placed the same day your natural teeth are removed — so you’re never seen without teeth. They’re fitted right after the extractions and adjusted as your gums heal.
When to come in
Soreness, looseness, clicking, or trouble chewing usually means it’s time for a quick reline or adjustment — not something to put up with. And never try to fix a cracked denture yourself: household and super glues are toxic and ruin the fit for good. A same-day professional repair is quick, safe, and far cheaper than a remake.
Even if your dentures fit perfectly, it’s worth seeing a professional regularly. Routine check-ups and keeping your dentures clean help prolong the life of both full and partial dentures — and a small yearly adjustment keeps everything fitting right as your gums and jaw change.
Did you know? Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can affect your dentures — often by causing dry mouth, which changes how they grip. Mention any new prescriptions at your check-up and we’ll adjust the fit.
Keeping them fresh
The clinic stocks Renew Denture Cleaner — a hard-to-find favourite we keep in stock even when others run out, and gentler on the denture than most drugstore tablets. Looked after well, modern dentures stay looking great: they’re made to resemble natural teeth and fit snugly against your gums for everyday comfort.
Looking after your smile,
Barbara Gilmore — Denturist, Erin Woods Denture Clinic
This is general guidance, not a substitute for seeing your denturist. Have a question about your dentures? We’re always happy to help — just get in touch.