Helping Scarborough Denture Wearers with the Right Information

It’s a simple fact of life that nothing lasts forever, but you can extend the functional lifetime of your dentures by reading the following care instructions and by attending checkups with your denturist each year. Your denturist can look for signs of wear and other issues that may cause pain or discomfort. Every five to seven years, your dentures should be replaced.

If you have additional questions about caring for your dentures, please contact Cliffcrest Denture Clinic today! Additional denture facts and a frequently asked questions section are available on our website.
Getting the Perfect Fit
You should always be mindful of how your dentures are fitting. Loose-fitting dentures should never be worn since they can damage your gums and the denture itself through friction. Maintaining regular checkups is another way to ensure your dentures are always fitting correctly.

Sore Spots & Irritation
Do you have denture-related irritation, inflammation or sore spots? It’s always best to schedule an appointment with your denturist as quickly as possible. Left untreated, sore spots can easily become infected, leading to severe soft tissue damage. Extreme cases of chronic irritation may require surgery to help repair the damage.

Soaking & Brushing Your Dentures
While the unique composition of dentures allows them to fit snuggly and comfortably in the mouth, they can change shape if they dry out or are placed in very hot water. While you sleep, or when dentures are not in use, it is important to place them in a denture cup filled with water at room temperature. A denture-cleaning solution should also be added to the water and changed regularly. Twice a day, the inside and outside of your dentures should be brushed using a purpose-made denture brush. This helps prevent the formation of plaque and other buildup. During your annual checkup, we will professionally scale, clean, and polish your dentures. We will also clean your soft tissue and check for any signs of periodontal disease.

At Your Checkup
Since certain medications can affect the fit of your dentures, be sure to mention this with your denturist during your annual or pre-planned appointment. Also mention to your family physician that you wear dentures and ask if any medications could affect how you wear dentures.

Immediate Dentures: The First 24 Hours
If you are having immediate dentures placed over an extraction site, it is essential you keep them in place continuously for the first 24 hours. This helps to control the bleeding. Your immediate dentures will be removed by our staff during your post-operative checkup (usually within 24 to 48 hours).

When you lie down to sleep, elevate your head with two pillows. Heavy mouth rinsing and vigorous spitting should be avoided within the first 24 hours. We also recommend placing an old towel over your pillows to protect them from any seepage that may occur during the night.