From daily cleaning to long-term adaptation, here’s how to keep your removable dental prosthesis in top shape.

Removable dental prostheses or dentures replace missing teeth and the bone structures that are gradually reabsorbed over time after the loss of natural teeth. These prosthetic devices help restore chewing, swallowing, speech, and aesthetics.

Removable prostheses are not just mechanical tools—they transmit forces to the teeth, gums, and bones. They require special adaptation care, and the time it takes to adjust varies depending on the individual and the prosthesis. Every person has unique needs and characteristics, which is why every prosthesis must be custom-made. The decision to place a prosthesis is made jointly by the dental specialist and the patient.

Eventually, the patient will be fully adapted and may no longer even notice they are wearing a prosthesis. However, an adaptation period is necessary, including regular visits to the dentist for necessary adjustments. Since the prosthesis is worn for extended periods, it’s essential for the patient to be educated on its daily care and hygiene to avoid more serious consequences.

The lifespan of a dental prosthesis depends on many factors, but one of the most important is the patient’s motivation and commitment to care. For this reason, specialists must regularly evaluate the prosthesis’ functionality and provide information sessions to ensure correct placement, chewing stability, and proper care techniques.

Oral Hygiene Habits for Removable Denture Wearers:

  • Clean and massage the mucosa (the tissue covered by the prosthesis) twice a day using a toothbrush with very soft or velvety bristles to massage the edentulous ridge. The margins of the prosthesis can accumulate plaque, so they need extra attention during cleaning.
  • Use cleaning tablets daily to remove plaque. These tablets kill 99.9% of bacteria and fungi, clean dentures without damaging them, and eliminate stains from tea, coffee, or tobacco.
  • Clean the back of your tongue with a tongue scraper.
  • Remove your prosthesis at night to relieve pressure on the gums and allow your mouth to rest.

How to Care for Your Dentures:

  • Rinse the prosthesis with water after every meal. Remove it from your mouth and soak it in a container with one cup of warm water and one teaspoon of vinegar for an hour.
  • Never soak dentures in boiling water!
  • You can also use two teaspoons of baking soda instead of vinegar to remove food particles.
  • Whenever you handle your denture with your hands, clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use hard-bristled brushes!
  • Clean both the inner and outer surfaces of the denture regularly using mild liquid soap. Then, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue.
  • Soak the prosthesis in regular water for at least 8 hours a day—ideally while you sleep—to help eliminate bacteria.
  • Wear the denture only after drying it with a soft cloth.
  • Handle your denture with care—they can break easily if dropped on a hard surface.