Advice

A tooth with dental instruments around it on a white background.

If some or all of your natural teeth have fallen out or been extracted, you probably wear one or more dentures. Whether we're talking about a full or partial prosthesis, you should seek appropriate care. Here's some practical advice…

THE FITTING OF NEW PROSTHESES

To adapt gradually to your new prostheses, start by eating softer food before gradually increasing the consistency. If you notice any changes in your speech, it's a good idea to read aloud or say the words that might be problematic more often. To slow down bone resorption in your gums, we recommend removing your dentures after each meal to clean them and massage your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

  • HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR DENTURES

    1. To clean your dentures, remove them and rinse them under water to dislodge any food particles. Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a denture cleanser or mild soap. Common household cleaners and toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used to clean dentures. If you have a partial denture, don't forget to brush and floss your natural teeth to avoid cavities and other oral infections.
    2. Take your dentures out when you go to bed to rest your mouth and let your gums breathe. Soak them overnight in lukewarm water with or without denture cleaner. If your dentures have metal hooks, soak them only in lukewarm water and a suitable cleaning product, as other substances can tarnish the metal. When you're not wearing your dentures, keep them in water to prevent them from drying out. Never put them in bleach, as they could discolour and poison you.
    3. Your dentures can break if you drop them. When handling your dentures, always hold them over a folded towel or a sink full of water, just in case…
    4. Check your dentures regularly for cracks. If you find any, don't wait, take them to your denturist to have them repaired. That way, you'll avoid aggravating the breakage.
    5. In the absence of regular adjustments, it is strongly recommended that you renew your dentures every five to eight years in order to maintain adequate gingival adaptation, but also to prevent possible chewing and/or joint problems.

  • WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE YOUR DENTURIST?

    If your dentures seem unstable, it's probably due to bone resorption in your gums, which increases over time. In this case, a visit to your denturist is essential to determine whether it's time to reline or rebase your dentures. You should know that ill-fitting dentures can cause lesions in the mouth. If you still have natural teeth, a dental check-up will also allow you to check the condition of your teeth for signs of decay or infection.


    Apart from an obvious problem requiring rapid intervention, an annual check-up allows you to monitor the condition of your gums and plan the type of adjustment to come. What's more, it's an opportunity to restore the shine to your dentures by having them cleaned and polished free of charge.