New to Wearing Dentures?
Learning that you need dentures can be a tough and emotional experience. However, you’re not alone—millions of people around the world successfully wear dentures.

Making the transition from natural teeth to dentures can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, from the best ways to clean your dentures to proper gum care, brushing techniques, and more.

This article aims to make your transition as smooth as possible by offering essential tips on denture care, cleaning techniques, gum and mouth care, and how to properly store your dentures.

How to Effectively Clean Your Dentures

The dental industry has come a long way with how dentures are made. Modern dentures are crafted to look natural and are made from materials such as acrylic, metal, and PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)). While denture teeth are artificial, it’s still crucial to clean them regularly to maintain both your oral health and their aesthetic appeal.

Just like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms after eating and drinking), stains, food particles, and calculus if not cleaned regularly. If you neglect to clean your dentures, plaque and food buildup can occur, leading to bad breath and increasing the risk of gum disease. Regular cleaning of your dentures is essential not only for maintaining oral health but also for your overall well-being.

To properly clean and store your dentures, you will need the following items:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Water
• Denture paste or non-abrasive toothpaste
• Denture cleaning solution or mild soap
• Denture storage container
• Soft towel

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your dentures at least once a day, ideally twice—once in the morning and once before bed. However, brushing alone is not enough to thoroughly clean dentures. To maintain proper hygiene, you should also soak your dentures every night after removal.

When cleaning dentures, it’s important to use denture paste or non-abrasive toothpaste. Regular toothpaste contains ingredients that can be too abrasive, potentially damaging the surface of dentures over time, causing scratches or small cracks. Additionally, avoid using whitening products, as many contain peroxide, which can alter the color of your dentures.

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for the longevity of your dentures and overall oral health.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Place a soft towel on the bathroom counter or in the sink before removing your dentures. Dentures are fragile, and dropping them on a hard surface can cause damage. Having a soft towel in place protects your dentures in case you drop them.

2. Remove your dentures and rinse them thoroughly with warm water.

3. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture paste, gently brush your dentures to remove food particles, bacteria, plaque, and any remaining adhesive. After brushing, rinse your dentures thoroughly with warm water.

4. If it's bedtime, soak your dentures in lukewarm water and your chosen denture cleaning solution, following the product's instructions. In the morning, rinse your dentures thoroughly with warm water before placing them back in your mouth.

As you establish your denture care routine, you’ll find what works best for you through trial and error. Keep in mind that every denture wearer is different, so what works well for you may not be the ideal solution for someone else. Personalizing your cleaning routine and products is key to maintaining your dentures effectively.

Caring for Your Gums After Getting Dentures

Gum care after dentures is just as important as regularly cleaning your dentures. While regular toothpaste isn’t recommended for cleaning dentures, it’s essential to use it to brush your gums and tongue twice a day. This helps prevent bad breath and promotes healthy gums.

For those with partial dentures, maintaining your natural teeth is equally crucial. Be sure to brush and floss your remaining teeth regularly. Additionally, using a mouthwash can enhance your oral health. Mouthwash can be used after removing your dentures or while they’re still in place, and there are specific options available designed for denture wearers.

Maintaining Your New Dentures

Here are some essential tips to help you maintain your dentures effectively.

● Avoid placing dentures in boiling or hot water, as the heat can cause warping, particularly for dentures or partials made from flexible materials.

● When not in use, store your dentures in warm water to prevent them from drying out. Proper hydration helps dentures retain their shape, stay pliable, and avoid becoming brittle or misshapen due to dryness.

● Old or backup sets of dentures can be wrapped in a damp paper towel, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in the freezer. This helps preserve their shape and prevents them from drying out or becoming damaged.

● Denture adhesives should not be used to fix ill-fitting dentures. If your denture is loose, it may need to be relined temporarily to prevent irritation, infection, or sores, and it's important to note that Cushion Grip is only meant for temporary use and should not replace a visit to your dentist for a proper fitting. 

● Sleeping in dentures is not recommended. However, some of our brand ambassadors prefer to have Cushion Grip cured while sleeping. Keep in mind, it should only be done once per use and on the day of application.

● If your denture fractures or breaks, contact your dentist immediately. Do not attempt to fix broken dentures at home, as this can cause further damage.

● Avoid bleach-containing products as they can weaken dentures. Never soak dentures with metal clasps or attachments in chlorine-based solutions, as this can tarnish and corrode the metal.