Denture Care Alexandria, VA
Denture care consists of good oral hygiene, cleaning your dentures, and visiting the dentist for routine checks and maintenance. Dentures are a common, inexpensive, and effective way to improve the look and function of a patient's mouth who has one or more missing teeth. While dentures can include a partial or full set of artificial teeth, they require extra steps beyond regular oral hygiene.
Denture care check-ups and guidance are available at Alexandria Old Town Dental in Alexandria and the surrounding area. We help patients with dentures ensure the long-term health of their remaining teeth, gums, and the rest of their mouths. Regular check-ups, along with other necessary dental procedures, are essential parts of effective denture care.
To get a check-up on your oral health or to get additional instructions on denture care, call (703) 763-1078 to schedule an appointment with our dentists.
Video Question: Kim asks "What are the basics of denture care?"
Summary: Need advice on proper denture care? Proper care can keep dentures in good shape. In our video above, we go over the basics of keeping your dentures in the proper shape.
How To Care of Dentures
Removable dentures require special care to keep them clean and in good condition. Additionally, it is vital to continue to practice good oral hygiene, even if one has a full set of dentures. Following these denture care steps from the Mayo Clinic will help keep the mouth as healthy as possible:
- Rinse After Eating. It is easy for food remnants to get caught in dentures while eating. Remove the dentures and rinse them after finishing a meal to help ensure bacteria do not build up on the dentures.
- Brush Daily. Cleaning dentures is essential and easier to do than some people realize. Like natural teeth, dentures require regular brushing. Remove the dentures and gently clean them with a soft brush. If the patient uses adhesive, they need to make sure to clean out any that remains in the grooves that fit against the gums.
- Clean Thoroughly. When removing the dentures to clean them, be sure to also clean the mouth. Use a toothbrush to clean any natural teeth. Also, clean the tongue, cheeks, and palate with either a toothbrush or gauze.
- Soak Overnight. Most types of dentures need to stay moist to remain in good condition. Soak them overnight in a mild solution. Patients can find denture-soaking solutions in most convenience stores and pharmacies.
- Rinse Before Replacing. When patients wake up in the morning, rinse the dentures before placing them in the mouth. This is especially important if patients use a denture-soaking solution. Many solutions are unpleasant or even unsafe to ingest.
“…it is vital to continue to practice good oral hygiene, even if one has a full set of dentures.”
Visiting the Dentist for a Denture Check-Up
Another important aspect of maintaining good oral health and caring for dentures is routine dental and denture check-ups. According to WebMD, patients should schedule regular check-ups with a dentist, even with artificial tooth replacements. The appointment may involve checking that the dentures are still fitting correctly and making any necessary adjustments. Additionally, the dentist will help ensure the lasting good health of the rest of the mouth.
Alexandria Old Town Dental is experienced in helping patients with dentures. Even for patients who have no remaining natural teeth, visiting a dentist for check-ups is important. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores, and infections and may result in other oral health complications in the long run.
“Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores, and infections and may result in other oral health complications in the long run.”
In-Home Care for Dentures
Do not attempt to adjust or repair dentures by yourself. Do-it-yourself kits can permanently damage dentures or harm one's oral health. Household glues should never be used as they can contain harmful chemicals if swallowed. The U.S. FDA warns against overuse of denture adhesives and suggests to use only use as a temporary solution when dentures become loose. Certain denture bonding products have Zinc, which may cause health problems if used in excess. When used responsibly, you may choose from a variety of denture adhesives, such as Fixodent® Original, Super Poligrip®, and DenTek® Secure. For more information on how to repair or adjust your dentures, you may contact us to speak with a qualified professional.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and consistent dentures cleaning can help reduce the number of visits to a dentist. For partial dentures, clean the teeth that rest under the metal clasps diligently as plaque tends to build under the clasps. Avoid using whitening toothpaste on natural teeth. Never use products containing bleach on your dentures as it can tarnish the metal attachments. Eating well-balanced meals also contributes to a healthy mouth. For more useful tips on denture care, contact one of our Alexandria Old Town Dental dentists.
“Never use products containing bleach on your dentures as it can tarnish the metal attachments.”
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Denture Cleaning Products
Many types of dentures benefit from being soaked in a mild solution, such as Efferdent®, Equate®, Polident®. However, the care instructions for different kinds of dentures vary. There are various cleaning kits that can be used to clean the dentures throughout the day and overnight. A mild soap may also be used as a solution base for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Patients will be given individualized instructions for cleaning products that correspond with their treatment as well as any allergies they may have. Consult with Alexandria Old Town Dental to ensure that the solution fits well with the treatment plan. We may also recommend specific solutions that work best with each type of dentures.
“Patients will be given individualized instructions for cleaning products that correspond with their treatment as well as any allergies they may have.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do I clean my dentures?
Q. How can I maintain my dentures?
Q. What is the importance of a denture check-up?
Q. What denture cleaning products can I use?
People Also Ask
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. How do removable partial dentures work?
Q. How can I tell if my dentures need to be relined or rebased?
Q. What are common causes of denture damage?
Q. When should a patient see the dentist for an adjustment?
Q. How should patients change their eating practices with dentures?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I sleep in my dentures?
A. Depending on the type of dentures a patient has, they may be able to sleep in them. However, it is usually suggested to remove dentures before going to sleep, even those who can wear them overnight. Use this time to soak them in a mild denture-soaking solution or water.
Q. My dentures seem loose; what should I do?
A. If the dentures feel loose or otherwise improperly fit, call us or visit the office for a checkup. One of our practitioners will be able to adjust them to ensure a correct fit properly. There are "do-it-yourself" adjustment kits on the market, but these can permanently damage dentures. A short follow-up can help solve the problem in a quick and efficient manner.
Q. Are there any food restrictions with my dentures?
A. For the most part, patients can continue to eat food with dentures as they normally would with natural teeth. This can be slightly uncomfortable and feel strange at first. Using proper denture adhesive and ensuring they are fit properly by visiting a dentist can help.
Q. What cleaning methods should I avoid?
A. The best way to clean dentures is with a soft brush and denture cleaning products. Avoid stiff brushes and other abrasive cleaners. Also, do not use whitening products or products with bleach on dentures. Only use cold or lukewarm water because hot or boiling water can warp dentures.
Q. How often should I see the dentist?
A. After the first visit, we advise each patient on how often they need check-ups depending on their case. Typically, every six months is the norm for all patients, including those with dentures. Regular visits help to maintain dentures and good oral health.
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Denture Terminology
A Alexandria Team Is Ready to Help with Denture Care
If you are interested in restoring your smile with a fully-functional set of teeth, give us a call at 703-763-1078. We will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and set you on the path to a better, brighter smile. We will customize the dentures to match the size of your mouth and find the right fit.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Alexandria Old Town Dental was established in 1973.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Arlington County and Fairfax County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Alexandria
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