Wear dentures? Follow these seven tips to keeping them in top condition, so that you can replace them less and smile more!

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Whether you wear full or partial dentures, taking good care of them is just as important as caring for normal teeth, helping avoid any build-up of the bacteria that can cause infections and bad breath.

Use our denture care tips to help extend their life and enjoy a clean, healthy mouth around the clock.

1. Have a daily denture care regime

Cleaning your dentures at the end of every day is a healthy routine to get into. As soon as you remove your dentures, gently massage your gums with a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush to remove any debris or film. Finish by rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

2. Use the correct amount of Fixodent

Fixodent denture adhesives create a secure grip for your dentures, and you should only need to use a small amount every day. The adhesives help improve the comfort of the fit, although Fixodent cannot effectively compensate for ill-fitting dentures. If you are experiencing considerable discomfort, consult your dentist for advice.

3. Combat bad breath caused by bacteria

Dentures can interfere with your mouth’s natural production of saliva, which manages levels of bacteria and removes food particles from around your mouth, preventing them from decaying and causing bad breath.

Using Fixodent Plus Adhesive Cream boosts the natural cleansing qualities of saliva and has an antibacterial action for fresher breath. Fixodent Dual Protection also features ‘food seal’ technology, which creates a seal along your dentures to prevent tiny food particles from becoming trapped and decaying.

4. Soak your dentures when not worn

When you aren’t wearing your dentures, get into the habit of keeping them moist. If you don’t, they will dry out and eventually start to lose their shape. Proper denture care means you should always soak your dentures overnight, preferably in a denture cleanser soaking solution, or in water if none is available.

5. Don’t use hot water on dentures

Whatever you do, never place your dentures in hot water. Excessive heat can cause dentures to warp and become misshapen, and could prove costly to be rectified by your dentist.

6. Take extra care with metal attachments

Not all dentures are made entirely of acrylic. Some also incorporate metal attachments to keep them in place. Because placing dentures with metal attachments in water can cause the metal to tarnish, you should seek advice from your dentist on the best type of care for your type of denture.

7. Have regular check-ups with a dentist

Wearing dentures doesn’t mean you can wave goodbye to your dentist. Regular dental care check-ups are still a must.

It’s essential that you see your dentist at least once a year and particular attention should be paid to your oral tissues, especially around your gums as you can be susceptible to gum disease even if you no longer have any natural teeth.

Other conditions (including oral cancer) can still affect your gums, oral tissues and cavities, tongue and upper or lower jaws, so all these potential concerns should be checked out regularly by your dentist.

For further advice on how to clean your dentures, check out our video below.

What’s your top tip for looking after dentures?
Let us know in the comments below!