The Oral Health Foundation has published updated denture cleaning and adhesive guidelines to help health professionals give patients clear, consistent advice.
The guidance covers how to keep dentures clean, when adhesives can help and when patients should see a dental professional. Each set comes with a quick-reference graphic that summarises the advice and can be used during consultations or shared with patients and carers.
The findings show denture wearers can receive conflicting advice about everyday care, from which cleaning products to use to how much adhesive to apply. The updated guidance aims to make those conversations easier and help health professionals spot problems that need dental attention.
The review was supported by an educational grant from Haleon and involved a panel comprising Dr Rachael England from the Oral Health Foundation; Andrea Johnson, Chair and CEO of Den-Tech; and Delroy Reeves, dental technician, liaison delegate and former President of the Dental Technologists Association.
Dr Rachael England, said: “Looking after dentures is an important part of looking after someone’s health. But patients can be unsure how to clean them properly or whether they should use an adhesive.
“Dental teams, pharmacists and GPs all have opportunities to offer advice and help patients recognise when they need a dental appointment. These updated guidelines give them clear, practical messages to share.
“The quick reference graphics make that advice easier to use, whether someone is caring for their own dentures or helping a family member or care home resident.”
Clear advice on daily cleaning
The cleaning guidelines recommend daily brushing with a soft denture brush, along with soaking in a suitable denture cleanser, following the product instructions. Regular toothpaste should be avoided on dentures because it can damage their surfaces. Clean dentures outside the mouth and rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in.
For people with partial dentures, advice must also cover looking after their remaining natural teeth with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth. Cleaning products must suit the denture material: generally, avoid chlorine-based products on dentures containing metal.
The guidance also recommends removing dentures at night when clinically appropriate and having regular dental reviews, ideally at least once a year. People who need help with daily care should have support tailored to their needs.
Adhesives can help, but cannot fix a poor fit
The adhesive guidelines explain that creams can improve the hold and comfort of well-fitting dentures. Patients should use a small amount on a clean, dry denture, follow the product instructions and remove the adhesive from both their dentures and mouth each day.
Needing more adhesive to keep a denture in place is a reason to seek a dental review. Adhesive should not be used to make up for a poorly fitting denture.
Most of the evidence relates to adhesive creams used with full dentures. Advice for people with partial dentures should be given individually, with particular attention to protecting remaining teeth and keeping the denture clean.
Christabel Fowler, Global Oral Health Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead at Haleon, said: “We are pleased to support the Oral Health Foundation’s review through an educational grant. Denture wearers need straightforward advice they can put into practice every day.
“The updated guidelines and quick-reference graphics will help health professionals explain cleaning and adhesive use clearly, and support patients and carers in knowing when to seek dental advice.”
The Oral Health Foundation is encouraging dental practices, pharmacies and GP teams to use the resources in conversations with denture wearers and carers, and to share them with colleagues working in care homes.
Download both updated guidelines and their quick-reference graphics at www.dentalhealth.org/denturecareguidelines and www.dentalhealth.org/dentureadhesives.
