How to... care for your dentures
Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, shares his advice
1 Remove at night
‘Unless there are reasons for leaving dentures in, taking them out overnight will help to relieve any soreness and prevent infection. Incorrect denture care can pose a real threat to oral health.’
2 Keep them clean
‘Use a toothbrush or denture brush along with a non-abrasive cleaner (not
toothpaste as some people would have been previously instructed). Soak your dentures daily, and use a denture cleanser to remove more of the bad bacteria and to disinfect them.’
3 Make sure to visit your dentist regularly
‘This is to make sure that dentures are being kept in good condition and your mouth is still healthy. The risks associated with poor denture care include inflammation of the mouth, staining, changes in taste and bad breath.’