September 12, 2026 · 3 min read

Living with Dentures: Getting Used to Them and Caring for Them

New dentures take some getting used to. Here's what to expect in the first weeks, how to clean them daily and when they need to be adjusted or relined.

Getting dentures, whether a full set or a partial, is a big change. They can restore your smile and your ability to eat comfortably, but there's an adjustment period, and good daily care keeps them comfortable and long-lasting. Here's what to expect and how to look after them.

The first few weeks

It's normal for new dentures to feel strange at first. Your mouth needs time to adapt.

Eating. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth at the same time to keep the denture stable. Add firmer foods gradually.
Speaking. Some words may sound different at first. Reading aloud and repeating tricky words helps your tongue and cheeks adjust, usually within a few weeks.
Extra saliva is common early on and settles down as your mouth gets used to the denture.
Sore spots can develop where the denture presses. Don't try to adjust it yourself. Call us; a quick adjustment usually solves it.

Most people feel comfortable within a few weeks, though it can take longer for a full lower denture.

Daily cleaning

Dentures collect plaque and food just like natural teeth, and an unclean denture can cause bad breath, stains and gum irritation.

Rinse after eating to remove food particles.
Brush your dentures every day with a soft brush or a denture brush and a denture cleanser or mild soap. Regular toothpaste is often too abrasive and can scratch them.
Handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water, so they don't break if dropped.
Soak them overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution so they don't dry out and lose their shape. Rinse well before putting them back in.
Never use hot water, which can warp them, or bleach, which can weaken and discolor them.

Care for your mouth, too

Take dentures out at night, unless we've advised otherwise, to give your gums a rest.
Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth gently each day with a soft brush.
Clean any remaining natural teeth carefully, especially where a partial denture's clasps rest. Those teeth are important anchors.

When dentures need attention

Your jawbone and gums slowly change shape over time after teeth are lost, so even well-made dentures eventually fit less well. Signs they need attention include:

Slipping or clicking when you talk or eat
Sore spots or irritation
Difficulty chewing
Visible cracks, chips or worn teeth on the denture
Needing more and more adhesive to keep them in place

A reline reshapes the inside of the denture to fit your gums again. Over the years, dentures may also need to be replaced. A loose denture shouldn't be ignored, because it can cause sores and make eating difficult.

Checkups still matter

Even without natural teeth, regular dental visits are important. We check the fit of your dentures, look at your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth, and perform an oral cancer screening. Plan on a checkup at least once a year, or as recommended.

If you're considering whether dentures, a bridge or implants are right for you, see our comparison of options for replacing missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures can add stability for patients who qualify.