An interview with...

Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque, preventing permanent staining and also helping to keep the patients mouth healthy. Dentures may break if dropped so when handling their dentures for cleaning, patients should ideally stand over a basin of water.

Conventional toothpaste is not suitable for cleaning dentures and may abrade them and cause permanent damage. The use of other powdered household cleansers should also be avoided, which may be too abrasive. Patients should avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture.

Hard-bristled brushes should be avoided as these can damage the surface of the denture teeth. Instead a toothbrush with soft bristles or one that is specially designed for cleaning dentures should be used along with a denture cleaning cream or paste. Soaking dentures in a specialist cleaning solution will also help keep them fresh. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and avoid boiling water.

Ultrasonic cleaners are also used to care for dentures. However, using an ultrasonic cleaner alone should not replace a thorough daily brushing and soaking.

Many patients need a bit of time to get used to wearing dentures – especially if they are wearing dentures for the first time. In my experience, it takes patients longer to adjust to complete lower dentures, as there is usually less retention and the tongue may feel constricted for a while. The muscles of the patients cheeks and tongue soon learn to keep the dentures in place though. New dentures can feel awkward for a few weeks but the mouth soon adjusts.

It is also not unusual for patients to experience minor irritation or soreness but if irritation or soreness persists, they should consult their denture provider. Patients often report that their saliva flow temporarily increases (which can affect speech) when their new dentures are fitted. As their mouth gets used to presence of the dentures, this will soon subside. I advise my patients to try sipping water to thin down their saliva and try swallowing more often. Follow-up appointments and regular reviews are essential. During the early stages, patients play an active role in adapting to their new dentures.

Normally, it is simply a matter of personal choice as to when and how long a denture is worn. Patients don't like to be seen without their dentures in, especially by their partners, which is perfectly understandable.

A Clinical Dental Technician may advise that within the first few days of having new dentures fitted that patients wear them most of the time, including while they sleep. After an initial adjustment period, patients may then be instructed to remove their dentures before going to bed. This will allow their gum tissues to rest and promote good oral health. If this is not possible, then patients should find time to remove their dentures when they are in private even for a short while.

Generally, it is not desirable that the tissues of the mouth are constantly covered by a denture material. Dentures should be kept clean and any remaining natural teeth cleaned at least twice daily.