Denture Care Instructions

Take out your teeth at night: To give your mouth a break, take them out before bed and soak them in water or a denture cleaner. This relieves the gums and reduces the risk of infection.

Cleanse your mouth and gums: Use a gentle toothbrush or gauze to clean your mouth and gums after removing your dentures. This helps remove plaque and prevent bad breath.

Visit your Dental Prosthetist regularly: Even with dentures, you need frequent dental check-ups. Let your dentist evaluate and adjust your dentures’ fit and contour.

Replace dentures every few years: Dentures may wear out or fit poorly. To ensure proper fit and function, replace them every five to seven years.

Keep your denture in place for the first 24 hours
Do not remove your immediate denture during the first 24 hours. If removed, swelling may occur, making it difficult or impossible to replace. Oozing of blood around the denture is normal and not a cause for concern. The denture not only replaces missing teeth but also protects the surgical site, controls swelling, and manages bleeding. It must remain in place to be effective.
 

Do not rinse for 24 hours
Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours. However, you may carefully brush your remaining teeth. After your 24-hour follow-up appointment, gently rinse your mouth 3 to 4 times a day for four or five days using a lukewarm saltwater solution (½ teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water). Avoid straining or forcefully emptying your mouth while rinsing.
 

Avoid certain activities after extractions
Do not spit, smoke, or suck on a straw. Avoid rinsing vigorously and do not drink hot or carbonated beverages. These actions can dislodge essential blood clots, disrupting the healing process.
 

Take medications as prescribed
Follow your prescribed medication schedule. If you have been prescribed pain relief, avoid operating a motor vehicle while taking the medication. Some discomfort is expected following oral surgery.
 

Manage swelling with cold compresses
Swelling is normal for up to a week, peaking around the second day post-surgery. To manage this, apply an ice bag to the outside of your face for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle for 24 hours, then discontinue the use of ice. This helps reduce discomfort, bleeding, and swelling.
 

Eat and drink appropriately
You may eat and drink following surgery. Stick to soft foods for at least 24 hours and avoid hard or crunchy items. Drink plenty of fluids, but do not use a straw. Do not follow a liquid-only diet. You may resume normal physical activity as tolerated 2–3 days after surgery.