Looking after your dentures

General Denture Care

To keep your denture clean, comfortable, and long-lasting:

• Clean daily using a soft brush and mild soap or specialist denture toothpaste.

• Do not use regular toothpaste, as it is too abrasive.

• Rinse your denture thoroughly with water after cleaning.

• Rinse after meals whenever possible to remove food debris.

• Clean your denture over a basin filled with water to prevent damage if dropped.

• Some dentures can be soaked overnight in products like Steradent  but only after cleaning and always following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Immediate Dentures: What to Expect

An immediate denture is fitted straight after tooth extraction. Here’s what to expect:

• First 24 hours: Keep your denture in unless you experience bleeding. If so, follow the advice sheet given to you at your appointment

• After 24 hours: Remove and clean your denture. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and brush remaining teeth, avoiding extraction sites.

• First week: Wear your denture day and night (unless advised otherwise) to help gums heal around it. Remove after meals to rinse both your mouth and denture cleanliness is key to healing.

• Initial discomfort: Dentures may feel bulky or awkward at first. Speech may change temporarily whistling or lisping is common but usually short-lived.

• Chewing: Start with soft foods and cut them into small pieces until your mouth heals and you adjust to the denture.

• Adjustments: If the denture rubs or causes soreness, contact us promptly for an adjustment. Don’t wait until your next check-up, we are here to help

Should I Leave My Denture Out at Night?

• Initial phase: Keep your denture in overnight for the first week (or as advised).

• After healing: Remove your denture at night to give your gums a rest.

• Store it in a pot of water to prevent drying and distortion.

• Do not wrap in tissue this is the most common reason dentures are accidentally thrown away.

• Keep your denture away from heat sources like radiators, which can warp the material.

What Happens Next?

As your mouth heals, gum and bone shrinkage may cause your denture to feel loose. This is normal and varies from person to person.

• You may need several adjustments in the first few weeks.

• Once healing stabilises (after several months), you may need a reline or a new denture if shrinkage is significant.

• Further treatment may incur additional charges, though not everyone will require it.

If you have any concerns or need an adjustment, please contact our reception team on 01788 542663. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident with your denture.