Denture Care

"I need a denture “ what are my options?"

 Conventional removeable partial dentures
 Precision and semi-precision partial dentures
 Conventional over-denture
 Implant over-denture
 Immediate dentures - what to expect
 Wearing a new denture what to expect
 Why consider a metal base denture?

Common Denture Problems	Common Causes / Solutions
Denture slipping and moving	Due to shrinkage of jaw bone and surrounding gum tissue, the gums and bone do not support the denture in speaking or chewing -- Reline, rebase or replacement per a dental professional’s recommendation.
Speaking difficulties and unwanted sounds, such as “clicking, whistling, smacking".	Denture is not in proper position or does not stay in proper position -- denture moves causing cheek and tongue to struggle to form words and control the denture -- Reline, rebase or replacement per a dental professional’s recommendation.
Difficulty chewing certain foods	Some foods may never be ‘easy to chew’ with dentures, but lack of adequate chewing could be related to the alignment of your upper and lower denture(s), or your denture with natural teeth, this effects the “balance” of the denture on the tissues and muscles of the mouth. In combination with shrinkage of tissue, poor alignment creates improper denture function. Only a dental professional can determine the best solution(s).
Lack of suction / adhesion	Bone and mouth tissue shrinks original fit/contact of denture is lost; Dry Mouth (Xerostomia); caused most often by certain medications; without proper saliva, denture fit is not ideal due to the “seal” that moisture provides between denture base and tissue. Discuss with your dental professional.
Wrinkles above / around lips or at corners of mouth	Denture has moved back in the mouth and no longer supports the lips. This may be due to bone loss and / or loss of skin elasticity (stretchiness) and moisture loss. See your dental professional to help determine the root cause.
Sore spots in the mouth	Pressure and / or rubbing is occurring in one specific area, usually a result of chewing (see Difficulty chewing certain foods) but may also be due to clenching of teeth or bruxism (grinding the teeth). Other causes may be hard foods (like small seeds) getting under the denture or denture teeth that need adjustment. Your dental professional can help resolve the problem.
Soreness at corners of mouth	Loss of vertical support for the denture (bone loss) can cause the mouth to “over-close.” This can change the way the lips seal together and cause saliva to pool at the corners of the mouth. The excess moisture in this area may cause the skin to become irritated and may increase the risk of a candida (fungus) infection. The soreness may also be the result of a vitamin deficiency. Seek advice from your dental professional.

1.
	Dentures can break, so always fill the sink with water, then clean your dentures over the sink, just in case they slip out of your hands by accident.
2.
	Rinse your dentures thoroughly to remove loose food particles. Use cool or warm water. But never use hot water “ it can warp your dentures.
3.
	Apply a denture cleaning paste to a moistened denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use ordinary toothpaste, bleach, vinegar or soap unless directed to do so by your dental professional.
4.
	Brush all surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, as they can damage the denture material.
5.
	Rinse dentures well under the faucet to remove all traces of cleaning paste.
6.
	While you sleep at night, soak your dentures in a cleanser (such as Fixodent) or one recommended by your dental professional.
7.	Brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled regular toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation. Then reinsert your dentures.
8.	To give your mouth an extra, fresh clean feeling, rinse with a mouthwash several times a day.