To clean your dentures, the general rule is: brush and soak every day. Brush your dentures first, to help remove any bits of food. Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner, not toothpaste. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface.

Make sure you brush all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface that fits against your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative.

Soak your dentures every day in a denture-cleaning solution. This will help remove any plaque and stubborn stains that are left. It will also help to disinfect your dentures, leaving them feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dental team.

Is there anything I should avoid?

It is important not to use any type of bleaching product to clean your dentures. Bleaching can lead to weakening of the dentures as well as making them look unsightly. Do not use very hot water to soak your dentures. Again, it can weaken the dentures causing them to break.

What should I do if my denture has a soft lining?

Some people have sensitive gums and may need a softer lining made for their dentures. If you have one of these special linings, it is important to check with your dental team before using any cleaning products or fixatives, as some products can damage the lining.

What if I have a metal denture?

Some cleaning products can damage metal dentures, so talk to your dental team about how to clean them. If your denture has clasps, you need to take particular care when cleaning to avoid damage.

Should I remove my dentures at night?

Don’t keep your dentures in overnight unless there are specific reasons for you to keep them in.

Can my dental team clean them?

Some people get a build-up of tartar on their dentures just as they would on their natural teeth. If plaque is not removed properly, it can react with your saliva and harden into tartar. As with your own teeth, you will not be able to remove this tartar completely by yourself, and eventually it can make the denture uncomfortable and unsightly. Your dental team will be able to remove this tartar using a professional cleaning machine.

What can I do about staining?

Like natural teeth, dentures can pick up staining every day. This is especially true if you smoke, or drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine. In most cases you should be able to remove this staining with regular cleaning. However, more stubborn stains may take a little more cleaning, which your dental team should be able to help with.

Do I still need to see the dentist?

It is important to visit your dental team regularly even if you don’t have any of your natural teeth. Dentists do not check just your teeth, but also the soft parts of the mouth, including the tongue and cheeks. These examinations are just as important, so the dental team can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages. Your dental team will be able to tell you how often you should visit.

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