Different types of dentures may require different types of specific care. A dentist will explain how to care for a given denture, including when to wear and when to remove it. It is typically recommended that they are removed at night while the patient sleeps to allow the gums to rest. Dentures need to be kept moist when not in place. They may be kept in a cup of water or a denture solution. Do not place a denture in hot or boiling water, which can warp it. Also, to prevent damage to metal parts, do not soak partial dentures in a solution for more than 15 minutes.

Some patients may benefit from the use of a denture adhesive. These can help secure properly fitting dentures and keep them from shifting. However, they should not be used to compensate for ill-fitting dentures or for an extended period of time. Denture adhesives need to be cleaned off both the denture and the gums daily. Many dentists recommend powdered adhesives because they are easier to clean.

Dentures can be relatively fragile. They can break, chip or fracture if dropped or struck. Standing over a folded towel or a sink filled with water when inserting or removing a denture can help protect the denture if it falls.

It is important to clean and massage the gum, tongue and palate with a soft brush or gauze pad before inserting the dentures. It is also important that any remaining teeth are kept healthy with diligent dental hygiene. If the natural teeth that support a partial denture are damaged, the denture will not fit well.

The denture itself needs to be removed from the mouth and cleaned daily to eliminate food particles and plaque and to prevent stains. A dentist may recommend a special two-sided brush designed for cleaning dentures. However, a regular soft-bristled toothbrush may also be appropriate. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can damage the denture. Patients are generally advised to avoid using abrasive toothpastes, powdered household cleaners or bleach on the denture because these can damage the denture. A gentle toothpaste, hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid may be acceptable cleaning agents. A dentist may also recommend a special denture cleanser. Patients are encouraged to brush gently to avoid damaging the denture and to cover all surfaces of the denture to ensure the best cleaning.

Patients with dentures may have to make some permanent adjustments to their eating habits. Certain foods (e.g., very sticky foods, very hard foods) may need to be avoided to prevent damaging the denture. Patients may also need to relearn how to eat. They are generally encouraged to use both sides of the mouth to chew to prevent tipping the denture. They are also typically advised to use the canine teeth and those behind them to bite, avoiding the use of the incisors, and to push food back with a bite instead of tearing it in a forward direction.

In addition, patients may experience difficulty speaking clearly when dentures are in the mouth. This occurs because the size and/or shape of the mouth has been changed by the presence of the dentures. For example, it may be difficult to pronounce certain sounds (e.g., “s” and “f” sounds). It may feel as though there is not enough room in the mouth for the tongue, or that a person is speaking with a mouth full of marbles. This condition may be temporary as patients adjust to speaking with a dental appliance in the mouth. This may take a few weeks, although it differs from patient to patient.

Tips for adjusting to speaking clearly with a new denture include practicing reading out loud, especially those sounds or words that are troublesome. Repetition can help a patient become accustomed to speaking with the denture. If dentures click while speaking, patients can try speaking more slowly. If speech difficulties continue, patients should consult their dentist. If dentures slip out of place, they can be repositioned by gently biting down and swallowing.