Denture care instructions
Getting used to new dentures takes time and patience — and that's completely normal. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you adjust comfortably and keep your dentures in great condition.
Wearing your dentures
Wear your dentures as instructed by your dentist — for new dentures, you may be asked to wear them almost continuously at first, to help identify any pressure spots that need adjusting
It is recommended to remove your dentures at night to give your gum tissues a rest
Soak overnight in a denture cleaning solution or plain cold water to prevent them from drying out and warping
Never sleep in your dentures long-term without your dentist's advice — the gum tissue needs time to breathe and recover
Do not soak your dentures in hot water as it will cause distortion.
Denture adhesive can be used to improve the stability and retention of your denture, particularly if you find it feels loose or insecure during eating and speaking. Apply a small amount to a clean, dry denture — a little goes a long way.
Eating with dentures
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces — think scrambled eggs, soft fish, cooked vegetables, and yoghurt
Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth simultaneously to prevent the denture from tipping
Gradually introduce firmer foods as you build confidence
Be cautious with very hard, sticky, or chewy foods — these can dislodge or damage your dentures
Very hot foods and drinks may feel different through dentures — be careful to avoid burns
What to expect
Soreness and pressure spots in the first few weeks are very common — your gums are adapting to the denture. Do not try to adjust the denture yourself; return to your dentist for adjustments
Increased saliva in the first few days is normal — your mouth is treating the denture as a foreign object and will settle
Difficulty speaking at first is normal — practise speaking aloud at home to speed up adjustment. Reading out loud or singing along to a song helps!
Dentures may feel loose initially — your cheek and tongue muscles will gradually learn to hold them in place
Multiple adjustment appointments may be needed in the first few weeks — this is completely normal and expected
Cleaning your dentures
Remove and rinse your dentures after every meal
Clean your dentures at least once a day using a soft denture brush and denture cleaning paste or mild soap — never use regular toothpaste as it is too abrasive and will scratch the surface
Hold your dentures over a folded towel or basin of water when cleaning — if dropped, they can crack or break
Soak overnight in a denture cleansing solution to remove stains and bacteria
Never use hot water — it will warp the plastic base
Caring for your mouth
Even without natural teeth, it is important to clean your gums, tongue, and palate every day using a soft brush or damp cloth — this removes plaque and stimulates circulation
If you have any remaining natural teeth, continue brushing and flossing them as normal
Remove your dentures and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after meals
When to see your dentist
If you develop persistent sore spots that don't improve — do not try to adjust the denture yourself
If your denture cracks, chips, or breaks — do not attempt DIY repairs with superglue. Bring it to your dentist
If your denture starts to feel loose over time — this is normal as the jawbone changes shape after tooth loss and a reline or replacement may be needed
Annual check-ups are important even if you have no natural teeth — your dentist will check your gum tissue, bite, and the fit of your denture
💡 Dr Watt's tip: Loose dentures are one of the most common complaints we hear — and the most common reason is a change in the shape of the jawbone over time, not a fault with the denture itself. Regular check-ups help us catch this early and keep you comfortable! 😊
