Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Dentures

Wearing dentures may require a little adjusting to at first, but when fitted properly, may take only a few hours to get used to.

A new denture wearer may notice: Dentures

That they feel large or bulky in the mouth
Lips feel pushed forward
A gag reflex
Increased saliva
Change in speech pattern (especially with words starting with F or S)
Sore spots in the mouth

These are normal reactions and generally disappear as soon as the person (and mouth) becomes used to the new dentures. This could be a few hours or a few days. Well-fitted dentures should not interfere with normal functions, including talking, eating, and chewing.

Caring for the dentures:

Dentures, when cared for properly, generally last five to ten years. The following daily routine can help keep dentures (full or partial) clean and the mouth healthy:

Rest your mouth - remove dentures at least a few hours each day.
Store dentures in a container filled with water so they don't dry out.
Rinse dentures in water to get food particles out.
Do not use hot water to clean dentures.
Rinse over a sink filled with water to prevent breakage if they are dropped. Placing a washcloth at the bottom of the sink will provide padding in case they are dropped.
Clean dentures by brushing daily and soaking. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or one made for dentures.
Never try to repair a broken denture - call the dentist.
Label dentures and denture cup, especially in a shared living/ hospital/ long-term care environment.

Putting dentures in:

Always insert dentures that are clean and dry:

Apply adhesive if necessary - it may be trial and error for a few days until you find the amount of adhesive that works best.
Rinse the mouth.
Press the denture firmly in place, hold and bite down.

Removing the dentures:

For upper dentures, place the thumbs or fingers at the top of the denture, along the top area of the cheeks where they meet the gum tissues. Push down gently until the denture is loosed and it can be easily removed.

For lower dentures, place fingers on each side of the denture, slowly pull on the denture while rocking it gently side to side.

Assisting an older adult with denture care:

Caregivers should follow the steps outlined above to help an older or semi-dependent adult with dentures. This is an important part of the oral hygiene routine - and a fresh feeling mouth will help provide the patient with comfort and confidence. Remember, a regular visit to the dentist is still necessary, even for people with dentures. If the individual has natural teeth remaining in the mouth, the normal daily oral hygiene routine should still be followed with these teeth.

Published with permission from Smiles For Seniors ... an oral health initiative of the Ohio Dental Association.

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Last Reviewed: Dec 01, 2006

Abdel Rahim Mohammad, DDS, MS, MPH, FAAOM, FACD
Director, Geriatric Dentistry Program
Section of Primary Care
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University