How often should I clean my dentures?

It is important to treat your dentures as you would treat your natural teeth. You should keep them as clean as possible to avoid gum inflammation or bacterial and fungal infections. We usually recommend that you clean them thoroughly at least once a day and after eating if necessary.

How should I clean my dentures?

Dentures can break if you drop them. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel.

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

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

Soak your dentures every day in a denture cleaning solution. This will help remove any plaque and stubborn stains left behind. It will also help to disinfect your dentures, leaving them feeling fresh too. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you notice a build-up of stains, have your denture cleaned by your dentist.

Is there anything I should avoid?

It is important not to use any type of whitener to clean your dentures. Whitening can lead to weakening of the dentures as well as make 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 coating?

Some people have sensitive gums and may need a softer lining for their dentures. If you have one of these special veneers, it is important to consult your dentist before using any cleaner or fixative, as some products can damage the lining.

What if I have metal dentures?

Some cleaning products can damage metal dentures, so talk to your dentist about how to clean them. If your dentures have clasps, extra care must be taken when cleaning to avoid damage.

Do I have to remove my dentures at night?

Do not keep your dentures in your mouth overnight unless there are specific reasons to do so.

Can my dental team clean them?

Some people have tartar buildup on their dentures just like 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 won't be able to remove this tartar completely on your own, and eventually it can make the denture uncomfortable and unsightly. Your dentist will be able to remove this tartar using a professional cleaning machine.

What can I do about the staining?

Like natural teeth, dentures can also show stains. 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 stain with regular cleaning. However, more stubborn stains may need a little more cleaning, which your dentist can take care of.

Do I still have to see the dentist?

It's important to visit your dental team regularly even if you don't have any of your natural teeth. Dentists not only check your teeth, but also the soft parts of your mouth, including your tongue and cheeks. These exams are equally important, so the dental team can detect any infections, oral diseases or even oral cancer in the earliest stages. Follow your dentist's recommendations on how often you should schedule visits.