When Your Dog Eats Your Dentures: Can They Be Saved—or Must They Be Replaced?

michaelgrishindent
44 minutes ago
2 min read

Four dogs sit side by side against a vibrant, ornate background. Each dog has unique fur colors, wearing patterned bandanas.

If you’ve ever owned a dog, you know how fast accidents happen. At Grishin Denture Specialist, a trusted Spokane denture clinic, we frequently see dentures that have been chewed, cracked, or destroyed by pets—often overnight.

For patients searching dentures near me, dentures in Spokane, or urgent guidance from a denturist Spokane, the most important questions are safety, infection risk, and whether repair is even possible.

Why Dog-Chewed Dentures Are a Health Risk

Dogs’ mouths carry bacteria such as Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga, which the CDC warns can cause serious infections—especially in seniors or immunocompromised individuals.

Once dentures enter a dog’s mouth:

Home cleaners are ineffective
Acrylic becomes porous
Bacteria embed deep within scratches

This is why replacement is often safer than reuse, a principle also discussed in Making Old Dentures Look New Again.

Immediate Steps After Denture Damage

Retrieve dentures safely
Rinse with lukewarm water
Do not wear them
Store in water
Seek professional evaluation immediately

Wearing damaged dentures can worsen cracks and misalignment, similar to emergencies covered in Cracked Denture? What to Do in the First Hour.

Structural Damage from Dog Bites

Dogs exert 230–250 PSI of bite force, enough to:

Crack acrylic bases
Dislodge teeth
Warp metal frameworks
Destroy bite alignment

Even hairline fractures compromise function and comfort.

Repair vs Replacement

Minor surface damage may be repairable, but replacement is recommended when:

Deep punctures exist
Acrylic is splintered
Sterilization cannot be guaranteed
Repair costs approach replacement

Fit evaluation follows principles explained in The Science of a Perfect Denture Fit.

Prevention Strategies

Store dentures in closed cases
Avoid nightstands
Use elevated storage
Maintain routine relines explained in When to Get Your Dentures Relined or Replaced

Conclusion

Orange canopied entrance with lush greenery leads to a building. Sign reads "Orange Flag" and "Reserved Parking" notice visible. Peaceful setting.

If your dog chews your dentures, time is critical. While light surface scratches might be professionally repaired, deeper cracks, punctures, or bacterial contamination can compromise both safety and fit—often requiring a full replacement. Household disinfection is never enough; only a trained professional can determine if your dentures are truly safe to reuse.

At Grishin Denture Specialist, we understand that accidents happen—and recovery starts with expert care. Whether you need a denture repair or reline or a new handcrafted set of dentures in Spokane, we restore both comfort and confidence.

Patients across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake trust Denturist Michael Grishin for prompt, precise, and compassionate service. If your dentures have been damaged—by pets or any unexpected mishap—visit our Spokane denture clinic for repairs or affordable dentures in Spokane that fit naturally, look beautiful, and keep your smile worry-free.

Best Drinks for Hydration with Dentures: Relieving Dry Mouth the Right Way, explains which beverages truly support hydration and denture comfort—and which ones may worsen dry mouth—so you can protect your smile and improve long-term stability.

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