How to Clean Your Dentures

Cleaning your removable partial or full dentures require proper denture care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best. It is as important as caring for your natural teeth, but the process is a little different.

Cleaning and caring for your dentures

How often should you clean your dentures?

We recommend to clean them thoroughly at least once a day. It is good to do it after eating too. You should always clean your mouth after removing your dentures.

Here are a few tips from us for good denture care:

• Rinse dentures after eating to remove loose particles and food debris. A good practice is to clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them so you won’t break them.
• Handle your dentures carefully so you don’t bend or damage the clasps or the plastic when cleaning.
• Clean your mouth after removing the dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth to clean your gums, tongue, and palate too. Remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums (if used). Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Gently clean your dentures daily. Soak and brush them with small to a medium-headed toothbrush with soft bristles and nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove plaque, food, and other loose particles. Remove any remaining adhesive. Do not use denture cleansers inside your mouth! There are also toothbrushes specifically designed for cleaning dentures.
• Soak dentures overnight. Remove your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn and should be placed in a denture soaking solution or in water so they do not dry out or lose their shape.
• Before putting your dentures back in your mouth rinse them thoroughly, especially if using a denture-soaking solution. These cleansers can contain harmful chemicals that cause pain, vomiting or burns if swallowed.
• Regular dental checkups. Your dentist will examine and professionally clean your dentures.
• Visit your dentist promptly if you have a loose fit. Loose dentures can cause sores, irritation, and infection.

You should avoid:

• Abrasive cleaning materials. Stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers, and harsh toothpaste may be too abrasive for dentures and can damage them.
• Whitening toothpaste and bleaching gels are especially abrasive and should be avoided.
• Hot or boiling water can weaken the denture causing it to break.