How to Clean Dentures

Medically reviewed by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: March 18, 2022 References Approved

Experts say you need to clean your dentures at least once a day so they stay in good condition and don't accumulate bacteria.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} You'll care for your dentures the same way you would your natural teeth, but it's important to use products made for dentures. You can either brush your dentures or soak your dentures in a cleanser, depending on your preferences. Research suggests that you should never use denture cleansers in your mouth, so always clean your dentures after you remove them at night.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Brushing your Dentures

1
Acquire a denture brush. A denture brush is recommended in order to clean all areas of the denture. If you prefer to use an ordinary toothbrush, use extra attention to reach all curved areas of your dentures. If you wear a single denture, you will need a separate brush for your denture in order to preserve the condition of the toothbrush you use on your natural teeth.^{[2]
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Research source}
2
Accident-proof your workspace. Start by accident-proofing the surface you will work over. Place a face cloth in the bottom of the sink and partially fill the sink with water to provide a cushion should the denture be dropped. Dentures can break if dropped on a hard surface.
- Grasp the dentures in your non-dominant hand, but don't squeeze too hard. Dentures can break.
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3
Apply warm water and cleaning product. You can use a gel or paste specifically designed for dentures or a little soap or other mild, non-toxic cleansing agent. Don't use regular toothpaste or any powdered or abrasive cleaners. They may scratch the denture and provide places for bacteria to thrive and may irritate your oral mucosa.^{[3]
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Research source}
4
Brush. With the denture brush in your dominant hand, brush all areas of the denture. Ensure that the bristles reach all the grooved and curved areas. Don't scrub too hard, though, as you don't want to damage your dentures.^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Rigorous brushing will help prevent the formation of tartar.
5
Rinse. Under running water, use the brush to rinse away remaining cleanser and debris. Inspect your denture for cleanliness. Areas that feel "slippery" may indicate that there is still plaque on the surface.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
6
Use your dentures. Now you can place the dentures back in your mouth if you are ready to wear them, or, if not, you can place them in water to soak them overnight.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Soaking your Dentures

1
Remove your dentures. Having the dentures out of your mouth for a period of time each day gives your tissues a rest from the constant contact. While out of your mouth, the denture should be kept moist. Soaking them overnight is a good way to do this.^{[7]
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2
Use a chemical solution. Soaking your dentures in a chemical solution helps to loosen stains and deposits that can then be rinsed or brushed away. Specifically designed denture soak products are often also anti-microbial and offer other benefits.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
3
Select a proper container. Select a container with a fitted cover that is the appropriate size for your denture. Make sure you account for displacement of the liquid when selecting a container.
4
Follow package instructions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation and length of soaking time. Use only warm water in order to promote the action of the cleanser. Hot water can distort the shape of your denture.^{[9]
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Research source}
5
Submerge the dentures. Ensure that the denture is completely submersed in the solution and cover the container. Do not leave any part of your denture out of the water or exposed to air.^{[10]
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6
Rinse. In the morning when you remove your dentures from the solution, rinse to remove chemicals and debris, and then brush your denture before putting it in your mouth.^{[11]
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7
Clean the container. Empty and clean the soaking container. Pour out the used denture solution and clean the container thoroughly to make it ready for the next use. You will want to do this daily to ensure your dentures are as clean and fresh as possible.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I store my dentures at night?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Whenever you aren't wearing your dentures, keep them submerged in lukewarm water or a denture solution. This will keep the dentures from warping over time.
Question

What is the best thing to soak your dentures in?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Whenever you take your dentures out, submerge them in lukewarm water or a commercial denture solution to keep the dentures from warping over time.
Question

Can you soak dentures in mouthwash?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

You can use mouthwash to clean your dentures, but it's not ideal for soaking them overnight. You're better off using lukewarm water or a denture solution for that.

Warnings

Partial dentures with metal parts require greater care in cleaning. Ensure that the products you select are safe to use on your partial denture. Ask your dental professional if you are unsure of how to care for your partial denture.

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If you feel nauseous or have any pain in your mouth or throat after putting a denture back in your mouth, contact your doctor immediately. If not rinsed away, chemicals in some denture soaking agents can cause serious side effects.

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Avoid using regular toothpaste to clean your denture. The abrasive nature of paste designed for natural teeth can scratch a denture. Scratches are great places for stains and plaque to form.

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