What Every Denture Wearer Should Know

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Update @ 20 Oct 09: I have removed parts of the article on dental adhesive cream based on feedback by Joshua on the possible side effects of dental adhesive (please refer comments section below). After doing a bit of research from the internet, I’ve discovered the controversy on dental adhesives- and my stand is better safe than sorry.

This is taken from an infomercial by GlaxoSmithKline. Whoever wrote the article really understand the feelings and predicament of a denture wearer- therefore I typed out the entire article here as I feel that it will be very useful:

Do you remember the first time you collected your dentures from the dentist? Most people recall feeling a little overwhelmed and apprehensive. Many will collect their dentures without asking too many questions, believing their dentures will fit like magic and perform just as well as their natural teeth.

Yet, as soon as you start using your dentures, questions start forming in your head. Only then do you realize that wearing dentures poses many challenges in your daily life and you need an avenue to address your concerns.

The good news is that your lifestyle need not change with sufficient knowledge about correct use of your dentures. Here are answers to some of the common questions denture users ask:

Q: My gums feel sore; is that normal?

A: It is normal for your gums to feel irritated and sore during the first few days of wearing your new dentures. You may also experience more saliva and even some episodes of gagging as you get accustomed to the foreign object in your mouth. Once you are used to it, the soreness will disappear. If it persists, consult your dentist to check if your dentures are loose. Well-fitting dentures should not rub against your gums.

Q: If I wear dentures, will that mean my children are at higher risk of the same?

A: there is no clinical evidence to show that bad teeth run in the family. However, a family culture of poor tooth-brushing habits and high consumption of sugarly products can lead to cavities, tooth decay and eventual loss of teeth, leading to the need for dentures.

Q: Can I enjoy food as before?

A: You need to be careful when eating foods that are hard or difficult to bite such as nuts, steak and fruits like guavas and apples. It may help to cut these foods into smaller pieces for easier chewing. Sometimes, food may slip between your dentures and gums, causing irritation and discomfort.

Q: My dentures are chipped after I ate some nuts. Do I need to repair them?

A: Chipped dentures ought to be repaired immediately as they can cut and hurt your gum. Even if your dentures are not chipped, they ought to be replaced every few years to accommodate changes in your gumline.

Q: My dentures keep clicking and sometimes threaten to fall out. Why is that so?

A:  It is likely that your dentures are not well-fitted and are too loose for you. You should consult your dentist to have your dentures relined and readjusted.

Q: Can I wear my dentures to sleep?

A: initially, you are encouraged to wear your dentures to bed to get accustomed to them. After the first week, it is advisable to remove your dentures at bedtime to rest your gum tissues. Prolonged wear of dentures and poor oral care may lead to gingivitis.

(Note by Yin Teing: if you are wearing a partial denture, please do not wear it to sleep for risk of swallowing and choking on your dentures during your sleep).

Q: Can I clean my dentures with toothpaste?

A: Ideally, your dentures should be cleaned with a denture cleanser, as normal toothpaste contains abrasives that can scratch the surface of your dentures, giving rise to crevices. Bacteria can collect and grow within the crevices, causing bad breath. Denture cleansers contain special ingredients that not only clean your dentures without harming them, but also remove stains and kill odour-causing bacteria.

Q: Can I brush my dentures in my mouth like real teeth?

A: Your dentures need to be removed in order to be properly cleaned! First, rinse dentures to remove food deposits. Then soak them in a solution such as Polident Denture Cleanser (by GlaxoSmithKline). The solution’s effervescent action helps to remove stains and food particles, as well as kill odour-causing bacteria. After soaking, brush dentures under running water with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Q: Why do I need to soak my dentures and what should I use?

A: dentures that are not soaked will dry up, lose their shape and become damaged. Soak your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution. Never use hot water as it can warp and damage your dentures permanently.