How To Care For Dentures

Careful daily removal of the bacterial and fungal biofilm present in the mouth and on complete dentures is important to minimize denture inflammation (stomatitis) and to help contribute to good oral and general health.  The latest evidence in the literature recommends that patients who wear dentures should do the following:

1. daily cleansing by soaking is superior to denture creams and pastes and less abrasive
2. denture cleansers should only be used outside the mouth
3. dentures should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning before reinsertion into the mouth
4. dentures should never be placed in boiling water, because they will warp
5. dentures can be soaked in diluted bleach solutions but only for 10 minutes or less

Your local Board Certified Prosthodontist (denture specialist) can help you with your dentures.

Source:  evidence-based guidelines from the AmericanCollege of Prosthodontists as commissioned by the American Dental Association

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Denture Stomatitis and Fungal Infections

Denture stomatitis is a common disorder affecting denture wearers.  It is characterized as inflammation and redness of the tissues covered by the denture.  It is often asymptomatic; only a minority of sufferers experience pain, itching or burning.  It is primarily identified during a dental examination as the presence of inflammation and swelling under the denture.  It is associated with poor denture fit, increased age of the patient, increased age of the denture, continuous wearing of the denture and poor denture hygiene.  

Bacteria and fungi (primarily Candida Albicans) are likely included.  Patients can see it themselves when their tissues are fiery red under the denture and the redness follows the outline of their denture.  Not removing dentures at night while sleeping allows a biofilm of bacteria to colonize on the inside denture surface without being properly removed.  Treatment of the acute phase requires antifungal medications.  Rapid recurrence of the condition will occur unless the denture is properly disinfected and thereafter a daily denture hygiene regimen of removing the dentures and soaking them in a commercial disinfectant solution or diluted sodium hypochlorite.  Routine follow-up visits to assess that the denture maintains proper fit and function is important in reducing the risk for developing stomatitis.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309