Can You Still Get Cavities with Dentures? Understanding Oral Hygiene Risks and Realities

michaelgrishindent
Sep 5
4 min read

Two cartoon teeth with sad faces: one is brown and cracked, the other is white with a hole. Background is light blue, conveying decay and damage. — Cavities

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or shift while chewing, Denturist Michael Grishin —a trusted denturist near me—can assess your fit and recommend a reline, adjustment, or a brand-new set of dentures in Spokane.

Can Denture Wearers Get Cavities? The Short Answer

Complete denture wearers cannot get cavities on the prosthetic teeth themselves—they are made of acrylic or porcelain, which are not susceptible to decay like natural enamel. However, that does not mean you're off the hook for oral hygiene. Partial denture wearers still have natural teeth that are at risk, and even full denture users can face serious oral health issues if proper care is neglected.

Risks for Partial Denture Wearers: Natural Teeth Are Still Vulnerable

Partial dentures are designed to replace missing teeth while anchoring to the remaining natural ones. If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up, those remaining teeth are at high risk for:

Cavities between the tooth and the denture clasp
Root decay, especially if gums have receded
Gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss

A study published in Gerodontology showed that partial denture wearers have a 56% higher risk of new decay on remaining teeth, especially when oral hygiene practices are inconsistent.

Oral Infections That Mimic or Worsen Cavity Symptoms

Even full denture wearers—who no longer have any natural teeth—can develop painful, cavity-like symptoms due to other conditions, including:

1. Denture Stomatitis

Caused by Candida albicans (oral thrush)
Red, swollen patches on the palate
Often the result of sleeping in dentures or poor cleaning habits

2. Gingival Inflammation and Sore Spots

Friction from ill-fitting dentures causes localized swelling or ulceration
Can mimic toothache and cause difficulty chewing

3. Residual Root Cavities

Occasionally, tooth roots are intentionally left under dentures to support the jawbone
If not monitored, these roots can develop decay or infection beneath the denture base

The Role of Biofilm: A Hidden Risk for Denture Users

Bacterial biofilm forms on both natural teeth and denture surfaces. Left untreated, this sticky layer becomes a breeding ground for pathogens and leads to:

Bad breath (halitosis)
Fungal overgrowth
Accelerated wear on the denture acrylic
Increased risk of respiratory infections in seniors

According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, older adults who wear dentures and do not clean them properly are at significantly higher risk for aspiration pneumonia, which has been linked to the inhalation of bacteria-laden plaque from uncleaned dentures.

Best Practices for Denture Hygiene to Prevent Oral Health Issues

1. Brush Dentures Daily—Just Like Natural Teeth

Use a non-abrasive denture brush and a cleanser designed specifically for prosthetics. Avoid toothpaste, which can create microscopic scratches that harbor bacteria.

2. Soak Nightly in a Denture Cleaner

Products like Polident or Efferdent help remove biofilm, food debris, and stains. Soaking also kills 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria when used as directed.

3. Rinse After Every Meal

Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to prevent food from accumulating under the base.

4. Clean Your Mouth, Gums, and Tongue

Even without teeth, the soft tissues of the mouth need attention. Use a soft toothbrush or gauze to clean the gums, cheeks, and tongue daily.

5. Never Sleep in Your Dentures

Sleeping in dentures increases your risk for oral infections by more than 200%, according to a Japanese study published in PLOS ONE. Always remove and clean them overnight.

For Partial Denture Wearers: Protect Your Remaining Teeth

Floss around your natural teeth daily, especially near clasps or metal attachments
Use a fluoride mouthwash or prescription-strength fluoride gel if you're at high risk for cavities
Avoid sugary or sticky snacks that cling to dental hardware
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings

Dentures Do Not Mean “No Dentist Needed”

One of the most dangerous misconceptions among full denture users is the belief that regular dental visits are no longer necessary. However:

Oral cancers often begin in soft tissues and may go unnoticed without screenings
Jawbone resorption can alter the fit of dentures every 2–3 years
Tissue inflammation can lead to ulcers or sore spots that need professional adjustment

The American College of Prosthodontists recommends annual checkups for all denture wearers, even if no teeth remain.

When to Replace or Reline Your Dentures

Dentures typically last 5 to 7 years, but many patients keep them far longer. Worn, warped, or loose dentures increase your risk of oral health issues, affect digestion, and may alter your speech.

Warning signs you may need an adjustment or replacement:

Denture movement during speech or laughter
Pain or irritation along the gumline
Cracks, stains, or bad odors
A change in how your dentures “bite” together

At Grishin Denture Specialist, we offer personalized relines and high-quality full or partial dentures crafted to match your oral anatomy precisely—ensuring comfort, function, and long-term health.

Conclusion

While you can’t get cavities in artificial teeth, wearing dentures does not exempt you from the risks of poor oral hygiene. Partial denture wearers must remain vigilant in protecting their natural teeth, while full denture users need to care for the gums, bone, and appliances themselves. Regular cleaning, annual exams, and a focus on daily oral hygiene are essential to avoiding infections, bad breath, and other painful complications.

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If you’re concerned about your denture hygiene, have natural teeth at risk, or are due for a denture upgrade, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can help you protect your smile for years to come.

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