Denture Post-Insertion Instructions

What You Should Do After Receiving Your Denture To Ensure Comfort And Durability

Cosmetic dentures can help you regain the look, feel and function of a natural smile. After receiving your dentures, it is important to follow these post-visit instructions to ensure a comfortable experience.

If you have not had your denture fabrication appointment yet, please read our pre-visit instructions.

Oral Hygiene

• Keeping Your Denture Clean: To keep your removable denture free of biofilm accumulation, we recommend that you clean it using an ultrasonic cleaner, such as the Debatlog Ultrasonic Cleaner in a Polident Daily Denture Cleaner solution.
• Brush At Least Twice A Day: Dentures can make oral hygiene more difficult. Conventional wisdom says that you should brush at least twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Two times a day is a good rule of thumb. But ideally, you should brush right after a meal. This is to maximize the amount of time your teeth stay clean between meals.
• When You Cannot Brush Your Teeth, Rinse With Water Or Mouthwash: It is sometimes not practical to be brushing after every meal. You may be busy at work or at school during your day and cannot find time to brush or floss. If this is the case, at least rinse with water or mouthwash to get as much food debris and taste out of your mouth and to prevent food getting stuck between your denture and teeth; this could cause tooth decay or gum disease. One brand of mouthwash that we highly recommend is Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash.
• Consider Upgrading Your Toothbrush: Ensure you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth, as they are gentler on enamel and less likely to cause damage or irritation to gum tissue. One brand of toothbrush that we highly recommend is the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush. Also consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria on teeth and gums. One brand of electric toothbrush that we highly recommend is the Philips Sonicare Protectiveclean 6100.
• Floss Daily: Flossing is critical to remove plaque and food particles that may accumulate around teeth and gums. Ideally you should be flossing every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. We recommend GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss. If you have difficulty using regular string floss, consider using dental flossers (such as Sunstar 888JC GUM Advanced Care Flossers) or interdental brushes (GUM Proxabrush) to clean the space between your teeth.
• Buy A Water Flosser: We highly recommend you purchase a Water Flosser and to use it daily in addition to regular flossing; the Water Flosser will flush out debris missed by floss and toothbrush. Ideally you should be water flossing every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. One brand that we highly recommend is the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser 
• Use An All-Encompassing Antibacterial Mouthwash Daily: Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash specially formulated for cavity prevention, gum care and fresh breath daily. Ideally you should be rinsing with mouthwash every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. One brand that we highly recommend is Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash.
• Use An All-Encompassing Toothpaste: Be sure to use a toothpaste that has fluoride to prevent cavities and promote gum health. One brand that we highly recommend is the Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean Toothpaste.

Adjusting To Your Denture Can Take Time

• There is a learning curve to wearing a denture for the first time. It may take a few weeks to get used to wearing it. The denture should be comfortable and snug to wear. However, if you continue to experience any gum or tooth sensitivity or discomfort, loose or ill-fitting denture, contact us for an adjustment.
• One trick that may help you adjust to wearing your denture more quickly is to practice putting it in for short periods of time during the day. 

Book Regular Visits With Your Dentist

• People who have complete or partial dentures are at higher risk of caries and getting gum disease around any natural teeth that are left. If you have gum disease, your false teeth will not fit well over gums that are sore, swollen or bleeding. If you have caries (cavities), you may experience tooth sensitivity and pain.
• Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleaning and dental exams. Your dentist can detect any early signs of gum disease or cavities, and provide appropriate treatment. Be sure to bring your denture with you!

Have Questions?

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us.