Dentures are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring your smile, and improving your ability to speak and eat comfortably. But just like natural teeth, dentures require daily care and attention to keep them clean, fresh, and functioning well. Without proper maintenance, they can lose their shape, accumulate bacteria, irritate your gums, and affect your oral health.

At Century Family Dental in Westborough, MA, we help patients protect their investment by teaching simple and effective denture care habits. Whether you have full dentures, partial dentures, or are new to wearing them, this guide will help you care for your dentures correctly and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

1. Clean Your Dentures Every Day

Dentures should be cleaned daily to remove food debris, plaque buildup, and bacteria. Even though they are not natural teeth, they can still harbour harmful bacteria that affect your gums and breath.

To clean your dentures:

• Rinse them under lukewarm water after meals
• Brush them gently with a soft denture brush and a denture cleanser
• Avoid toothpaste because it may be too abrasive
• Clean every surface, including the areas that rest against your gums

Good denture hygiene also helps reduce staining, especially if you consume foods or drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine.

If you want a brighter smile, explore cosmetic options like professional teeth whitening for any natural teeth you may still have.

2. Remove Dentures Overnight

Taking your dentures out at night gives your gums time to rest. Wearing dentures 24 hours a day can cause mouth irritations, infections, and sore spots.

When not wearing them:

• Place dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water
• Never let them dry out
• Keep them in a safe container away from pets or children

This helps them maintain their shape and keeps the acrylic material from cracking or warping.

3. Handle Your Dentures with Care

Dropping your dentures can cause cracks or breakage, so always handle them carefully. When cleaning them, place a towel in the sink or fill the sink with water to cushion any accidental drops. Proper care helps your dentures last longer and prevents unexpected repairs.

If your dentures break or feel loose, never attempt to adjust them yourself. Visit our team at Century Family Dental, where we offer supportive restorative dentistry solutions, including denture repairs and adjustments.

4. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Even if you have full dentures, caring for your mouth is still essential. Remove your dentures and:

• Brush your gums
• Clean your tongue
• Brush the roof of your mouth
• Rinse thoroughly with water

If you have partial dentures, continue brushing and flossing your natural teeth daily. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, infections, and even tooth loss for remaining teeth.

Routine general dental checkups also help ensure that your mouth stays healthy and your dentures fit properly.

5. Watch for Changes in Fit

Over time, natural changes in your gums and jawbone can cause dentures to feel loose. Ill-fitting dentures may cause:

• Soreness
• Irritation
• Slippage while eating or speaking
• Difficulty chewing

If this happens, schedule a visit to our Westborough dental clinic for adjustments or relining. Never use DIY denture repair kits, as they can damage your dentures permanently.

If your dentures no longer meet your needs, you may benefit from alternatives like Dental implants Westborough MA or implant-supported dentures for added stability.

6. Avoid certain foods if you are new to dentures

In the beginning, eating may feel different. Start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, and yogurt. Avoid tough meats, sticky candies, and very hard foods until you feel more confident. Cut your food into smaller pieces and chew on both sides to maintain balance.

With practice and the right fit, most patients adapt quickly.

7. Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

Dentures require professional evaluation to ensure they fit correctly and remain in good condition. During checkups, we:

• Examine your gums for irritation
• Check denture stability
• Look for cracks, worn areas, or looseness
• Clean and polish dentures

If you have implant-supported dentures, we also assess the health of your implant posts.

Visit our Contact Us page to schedule your next appointment.

8. Know When It Is Time to Replace Your Dentures

Most dentures last five to eight years with proper care. Over time, natural changes in gum tissue or bone may affect how your dentures fit. If you notice chronic slipping, discomfort, or changes in appearance, you may need new dentures.

Our team at Century Family Dental in Westborough, MA can help determine whether you need a replacement or a reline.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your dentures is one of the best ways to keep your smile healthy, bright, and comfortable. With daily cleaning, good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and professional support, your dentures can last for many years.

If you have questions about denture care or need adjustments, repairs, or replacement, the team at Century Family Dental is here to help. We offer complete restorative, cosmetic, and preventive care for patients of all ages.

Schedule your appointment today and enjoy a confident, comfortable smile.