Broken denture: what to do and when to get help

• A cracked, split or snapped denture base.
• A broken denture tooth, clasp or loose fragment.
• A denture that suddenly fits poorly or feels unstable.
• Sharp edges rubbing the tongue, cheeks, lips or gums.
• Soreness, ulcers, bleeding gums or bad taste.
• Difficulty eating or speaking comfortably.

1. 1Remove the denture if it is sharp, unstable, painful or at risk of coming apart.
2. 2Keep all broken parts together and take them to the dentist.
3. 3Store the denture safely and cleanly, away from children and pets.
4. 4Keep the mouth clean and avoid foods that rub sore areas.
5. 5Arrange dental assessment, especially if you cannot eat, speak or wear the denture comfortably.
6. 6Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and follow the packet instructions. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Do not use household glue, superglue or non-dental adhesive.
• Do not file, drill or reshape the denture yourself.
• Do not keep wearing a sharp, unstable or painful broken denture.
• Do not sleep in a damaged or unstable denture.
• Do not assume sudden poor fit is only a denture problem if there are new face, arm or speech symptoms.
• Do not ignore ulcers, bleeding gums, swelling, bad taste or difficulty eating.

A broken denture may be non-urgent if it is stable and not causing injury, but professional assessment is needed. Symptoms affecting function or soft tissues can make care more urgent.

• The denture is sharp, unstable, painful or at risk of breaking further in the mouth.
• Sores, ulcers, bleeding gums, swelling, bad taste or suspected infection are present.
• You cannot eat or speak comfortably because of the denture problem.
• A piece is missing and may have been swallowed or inhaled.
• The denture fit changed suddenly without a clear break.

If you cannot access your own dentist and need urgent help, use NHS 111 or 111 online. NHS 111 can advise the next step but does not guarantee an appointment.

• Choking, breathing difficulty or concern a denture fragment was inhaled.
• A large denture piece is stuck in the throat or affecting swallowing.
• Sudden facial weakness, arm weakness or speech difficulty.
• Heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop.
• Severe swelling of the mouth, throat or neck with breathing difficulty.

A dentist may assess the denture, gums, soft tissues, remaining teeth and bite, and check for ulcers, infection, trauma or other causes of sudden poor fit.

A clinical dental technician may assess and provide some denture care within their professional scope, particularly for complete dentures. Partial dentures, natural teeth, ulcers or infection concerns may need dentist assessment or referral.