If you are reading this section the you probably already have a denture.  Dentures are designed by your dentist to replace missing teeth.  The difference between a denture and a bridge is that a denture can be removed for cleaning.

Dentures are made from a form of acrylic.  If you look at them carefully then you may notice that they have many areas where stain can be picked up easily.  Areas around the gum margins and areas where the dentist may have eased (adjusted)  your denture can provide retentive areas for bacteria and stain to develop.

Even on very smooth dentures calculus (dead calcified bacteria) can build up around the upper first molar teeth and also on the lower denture around the midline.   One can identify the calculus as it is often creamy colour and very rough.  The reason why this area develops is due to the position of the opening of the saliva ducts.  Saliva provides a good source of minerals and it is these minerals that form calculus on the denture.

So how do you keep your denture clean.  Well if you have an older denture which is already caked with debris then it may be worth paying your dentist to have the denture cleaned and polished to make it smoother.  Products are available to help assist in this instance however they will not do as good a job as your dentist.

If your dentures are relatively new or are older but in good condition then follow these guidelines.

After eating, remove your denture and rinse under running warm water.  At the same time rinse your mouth out before replacing the denture.

When brushing your teeth, remember to brush your denture aswell.  Use a toothbrush with a little soapy warm water to remove loose bacteria, food particles and stains.   Remember to clean certain areas that are more prone to depost build ups more thoroughly.  If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner then do follow the instructions carefully.

Do not use bleach or hot water to clean your denture plate.  These cleaning agents can bleach your denture leading to a very unnatural white apearance on both the gums and teeth.

Do not wear your denture at night .  Wearing the denture at night prevents the natural healing properties of saliva from reaching the teeth and mouth tissues.  Over a period of time persistent night time denture wearers may suffer from increase tooth decay and fungal infections of the mouth. Remember to place your denture in a cup of water at night.  Retaining moisture in your denture will help to protect the dentures elasticity and thereby prevent the cracking seen when dentures are allowed to dry out.

Another point to make to all denture wearers be they partial or full dentures is that you still need to see your dentst every 6 months.  Dentists will monitor the condition of your dentures and remaining teeth but also provide you with a standard cancer screen.

Look after your denture well and they should give you many years of service.  Remember to speak to your dentist about how to look after your denture.